English Reference
adjective · verb

prolonged

adj. · v.
US /pɹəˈɫɔŋd/ UK /pɹəlˈɒŋd/ pro·longed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.lasting for a long time, especially longer than usual.

    adj.continuing for a notably long period; extended in duration or time.

    Simple

    The country suffered through a prolonged period of dry weather this summer.

    In context

    The patient required a prolonged recovery period following the surgery, as the complications had been more severe than the medical team initially anticipated.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the past tense of 'prolong', meaning you made something last for more time.

    v.the past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'prolong', indicating the act of extending the duration of an event or state.

    Simple

    They prolonged their stay by two days because they liked the city so much.

    In context

    The mediator's intervention effectively prolonged the negotiations, allowing both parties to reconsider their positions before the final deadline.

Usage prolonged dry · prolonged heat · prolonged hot

Meanwhile, Western Europe experienced its hottest ever June and July, with prolonged hot and dry conditions fuelling extreme wildfires across the region.

BBC News· 10 Aug 2026

While drought is driven by prolonged dry weather, water scarcity occurs when demand for water outstrips the available supply.

BBC News· 7 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated