Word
lengthy
US/ˈɫɛŋθi/
UK/lˈɛŋθi/
Definitions
01lasting a long time
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. lasting for a long time, especially when it feels slow or boring.
adj. extending for a considerable duration, often implying that the process is overextended or tedious.
“The players had to wait for a lengthy delay while the rain stopped.”
“The application process was unexpectedly lengthy, requiring several rounds of interviews and a detailed background check before a final decision was reached.”
02long-winded speech or writing
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. using too many words in a speech or a piece of writing.
adj. characterised by excessive length in speech or writing; long-winded or verbose.
“The politician gave a lengthy speech that didn't really answer the question.”
“The report was criticized for its lengthy introduction, which delayed the presentation of the actual findings by nearly twenty pages.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “lengthy” in context.
Adjective
01. lengthy procedure
“Applying for a work visa can be a lengthy procedure involving several interviews and extensive paperwork.”
adj + noun
02. lengthy deployment
03. lengthy deployments
Real-World Examples
“After lengthy negotiations with my daughter at the merchandise stand, we settled in as Nick Jonas began.” “But hours after a lengthy list of celebrities were seen entering the venue in gowns and suits, large screens attached to the arena announced publicly that the famous couple were officially wed.” Etymology
From length + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/lengthy