What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extensions
Example
I need to buy hair extensions for my sister's wedding. [extensions: noun]
Example
The company announced an extension of the deadline for the project. [extension: noun]
Example
The new software update includes several useful extensions. [extensions: noun]
prolongation
Example
The prolongation of the meeting caused many attendees to leave early. [prolongation: noun]
Example
The doctor recommended the prolongation of the treatment for another week. [prolongation: noun]
Example
The strike led to the prolongation of negotiations between the union and management. [prolongation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extensions is more common than prolongation in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Prolongation is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts and mainly refers to time or duration.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extensions and prolongation?
Prolongation is generally more formal than extensions, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts as a noun or a verb.