ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lengthy

adj.
US //ˈɫɛŋθi// UK //lˈɛŋθi// lengthy
  1. 1 lasting a long time (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    lasting for a long time, especially when it feels slow or boring.

    extending for a considerable duration, often implying that the process is overextended or tedious.

    Example

    The players had to wait for a lengthy delay while the rain stopped.

    Example

    The application process was unexpectedly lengthy, requiring several rounds of interviews and a detailed background check before a final decision was reached.
  2. 2 long-winded speech or writing (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    using too many words in a speech or a piece of writing.

    characterised by excessive length in speech or writing; long-winded or verbose.

    Example

    The politician gave a lengthy speech that didn't really answer the question.

    Example

    The report was criticized for its lengthy introduction, which delayed the presentation of the actual findings by nearly twenty pages.
    • wordy
    • verbose
    • prolix
Origin

From length + -y.

© 2026 English Reference