# litany

/ˈɫɪtəni/ (US) · /lˈɪtəni/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/litany
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a long list of things, often complaints or problems. It can also mean a formal prayer or song used in a religious service.

For teachers: a formal prayer or song used in a religious service; also, a long list of complaints or grievances. Often used in a literary or formal context to describe a repetitive, rhythmic sequence.

## Examples

- The politician's speech was a litany of complaints about the economy.
- The priest led the congregation in a litany of praise before the service began.
- The report was a litany of systemic failures, detailing every instance where the safety protocols had been ignored over the previous decade.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.