Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

long-drawn-out

 adjective
     
long-drawn-out also long-drawn [only before noun]
continuing for a longer time than is wanted or necessary [= protracted]:
The official enquiry was a long-drawn-out process.
WORD FOCUS: long WORD FOCUS: long
continuing for a long time: lengthy
continuing for much too long: interminable, marathon, endless, long-winded, long-drawn-out, protracted
continuing for a long time and not changing: permanent, lasting, lifelong
when feelings last for a long time: lingering, abiding, enduring, lasting

➔ See also long
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
Dictionary pictures of the day
Do you know what each of these is called?
What is the word for picture 1? What is the word for picture 2? What is the word for picture 3? What is the word for picture 4?
Click on any of the pictures above to find out what it is called.

Explore our topic dictionary

Browse the dictionary