adj Uncommon

protracted

pruh-TRAK-tihd

Protracted (adj) means lasting much longer than expected or wanted. Example: “The two sides reached a deal after a protracted negotiation.”

adj

Lasting much longer than expected or wanted.

"The two sides reached a deal after a protracted negotiation."

"She recovered slowly following a protracted illness."

How to Use Protracted

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDragging on longer than it should — used for disputes, illnesses, negotiations, and the like.

Common pairings

protracted battle protracted negotiations protracted dispute

Word Forms

more protracted comparative, most protracted superlative

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The two sides reached a deal after a _____ negotiation.

Rhymes for protracted

redacted impacted attracted retracted contracted distracted

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “protracted” mean?

The word “protracted” means lasting much longer than expected or wanted. In plain terms, dragging on longer than it should — used for disputes, illnesses, negotiations, and the like.

How do you pronounce “protracted”?

“Protracted” is pronounced pruh-TRAK-tihd (/pɹoʊˈtɹæk.tɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “protracted” in a sentence?

Here is “protracted” used in a sentence: “The two sides reached a deal after a protracted negotiation.”

What part of speech is “protracted”?

“Protracted” is an adjective.

Is “protracted” a common word?

“Protracted” is an uncommon word in modern English.