Word
protracted
Phoneticspro·tract·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹoʊˈtɹæktɪd/
UK/pɹətɹˈæktɪd/
Españolprotraído
Definition
adj. lasting for a long time, especially longer than you expected or wanted. It often describes something boring or difficult like a meeting or a war.
adj. lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual. Often used to describe negative or tedious processes such as negotiations, conflicts, or illnesses.
Examples
“The two countries finally ended their protracted conflict.”
“After months of protracted negotiations, the two companies finally agreed on a merger price.”
“The legal battle became a protracted affair that drained the family's savings and lasted nearly a decade before a settlement was reached.”
Examples
simple
“The two countries finally ended their protracted conflict.”
contextual
“After months of protracted negotiations, the two companies finally agreed on a merger price.”
complex
“The legal battle became a protracted affair that drained the family's savings and lasted nearly a decade before a settlement was reached.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun to describe processes or states of time.
Pitfall
The meeting was very protract.
The meeting was very protracted.
Learners sometimes treat the word as a base verb rather than using the participial adjective form 'protracted' to describe a state.
Real-World Examples
“The LFB said it was likely to be a "protracted incident" and crews would work overnight to bring the fire under control.” “Granted, the broken leg he sustained in December further disrupted that maiden Liverpool campaign, but several parties involved in this most protracted and painful transfer lost an awful lot.” - 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 · Advanced
- Updated
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Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0