# protracted

/pɹoʊˈtɹæktɪd/ (US) · /pɹətɹˈæktɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The meeting was very protract." but "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.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun to describe processes or states of time.

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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.