protracted
Going on forever
Protracted describes something that has been extended or prolonged beyond the usual or expected duration, typically with negative connotations of tedium or frustration.
A protracted negotiation or protracted legal battle drags on longer than anyone wants.
The word suggests not just length but weariness—protracted illness, protracted conflict, protracted silence.
Unlike simply "long," protracted implies the duration feels excessive or drawn out.
Made to last longer
- extendedLengthened in time or space
- lengthyOf excessive duration
- longOf great extent
- drawn-outExtended beyond normal duration
sustained · chronic · persistent · enduring · lasting · lingering · interminable · endless
Armed struggle between groups
- battleArmed military engagement
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
litigation · struggle · standoff · campaign · conflict · warfare · hostilities · ceasefire
Boring through length
- wearisomeCausing fatigue through monotony
- tiresomeCausing boredom or annoyance
- boringFailing to engage interest
- monotonousUnchangingly dull
exhausting · draining · grueling · arduous · wearing · laborious · trying · agonizing
Stopped unexpectedly
- suspendedHalted or hanging temporarily
- postponedMoved to a later date
- deferredSet aside until later
- adjournedSuspended proceedings temporarily
moratorium · impeded · standstill · deadlocked · gridlocked · stalemated · stuck · shelved
prolonged
Made to last longer
drawn-out · sustained · chronic · persistent · enduring · lasting · lingering · interminable · endless · unending
war
Armed struggle between groups
- battleArmed military engagement
- siegeEncirclement forcing surrender
- disputeVerbal clash over differences
negotiation · litigation · struggle · standoff · campaign · conflict · warfare · hostilities · ceasefire · truce
tedious
Boring through length
- wearisomeCausing fatigue through monotony
- tiresomeCausing boredom or annoyance
- boringFailing to engage interest
monotonous · exhausting · draining · grueling · arduous · wearing · laborious · trying · agonizing · painful
stalled
Stopped unexpectedly
adjourned · moratorium · impeded · standstill · deadlocked · gridlocked · stalemated · stuck · shelved · tabled