Protracted

/prəˈtraktɪd/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual.

The negotiation process was protracted, taking several months to reach an agreement.

extended in duration.

The protracted drought led to severe water shortages in the region.

drawn out or prolonged.

After a protracted debate, the committee finally settled on a course of action.

characterized by being excessively lengthy.

Many people found the protracted speech tedious and difficult to sit through.

From Latin 'protractus', past participle of 'protrarre', meaning 'to draw out'.

protracted argument

A debate or disagreement that lasts for a long time.

protracted negotiations

Negotiations that are drawn out over an extensive period.

protract

To draw out over a period of time.

protraction

The act of protracting; extension in time.

Stretched out for too long.

That meeting was so protracted, we could have held a mini-conference.

Dragging something unnecessarily.

He always protracts the process; it feels like he wants us to suffer.