What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protracted
Example
The protracted negotiations between the two countries lasted for months. [protracted: adjective]
Example
The protracted illness left him bedridden for weeks. [protracted: adjective]
lengthy
Example
The lengthy meeting lasted for hours and achieved little progress. [lengthy: adjective]
Example
The report was filled with lengthy explanations and unnecessary details. [lengthy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lengthy is more commonly used than protracted in everyday language. Lengthy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while protracted is less common and is often used in legal, medical, or academic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between protracted and lengthy?
Protracted is more formal than lengthy and is often used in legal, medical, or academic contexts. Lengthy is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
