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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

protracted

Adjective

IPA /prəˈtræktɪd/

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Meaning in plain English

Continuing for longer than expected or usual.

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Pronunciation

protracted/prəˈtræktɪd/

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  1. The expected finishing time passes

  2. Discussions continue

  3. Agreement takes much longer

Protracted negotiations last longer than expected or usual.

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  1. A protracted wait at the station made us miss dinner.
  2. After protracted negotiations, the two teams agreed on a deadline.

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A ________ wait at the station made us miss dinner.
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protracted — Continuing for longer than expected or usual.

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Continuing for longer than expected or usual.

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Word origin

From protract, related to Latin protrahere, meaning to draw out or prolong.

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Protracted often describes delays, negotiations, disputes or discussions.

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protracted

/prəˈtræktɪd/ (Adjective)

“Formal. It usually suggests that something has gone on inconveniently long.”

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