# longstanding

/ˈɫɔŋˌstændɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈɒŋstændɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/longstanding
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

existing or continuing for a long time. You use this to describe relationships, problems, or traditions that have been around for many years.

For teachers: having existed or persisted over a significant duration. Often used to describe established relationships, disputes, or institutional practices.

## Examples

- The two countries have a longstanding agreement.
- The company finally resolved a longstanding dispute with its former employees regarding pension contributions.
- Despite recent changes in leadership, the university maintains its longstanding commitment to providing scholarships for students from underprivileged backgrounds.

## Pitfalls

- Not "a long standing tradition" but "a longstanding tradition" — While 'long-standing' with a hyphen is also correct, writing it as two separate words without a hyphen is generally considered a spelling error when used as an adjective.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before the noun it modifies.

---

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.