: continuing for a notably long time : extended in duration
a prolonged delay
a prolonged recession
a prolonged absence
a prolonged drought
And in today's competitive situation a prolonged strike can very easily lead to a serious loss of market share which is difficult, if not impossible, to recapture.—David Reid
Sometimes the only answer is a prolonged time away from the sport followed by a slow, steady reconditioning program along with physiotherapy of some type …—William J. Goldwag
prolongedly
adverb
… and Andy demonstrates … the odd talent of coughing in his sleep, coughing prolongedly without waking himself.
—John Updike
prolonged
2 of 2past tense and past participle of prolong
Cite this Entry
“Prolonged.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolonged. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.
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