long-runningˌlong-ˈrunning adjective [only before noun] 
a long-running sagalong-running dispute/battle/debate/feud etc She was involved in a long-running legal battle.long-running show/musical/soap opera etc► see thesaurus at long
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a long-running FBI investigation
- The long-running musical "Jesus Christ Superstar' is to close after more than 3,000 performances.
- The action is the latest in a long-running battle between the US and Canada relating to Cuban relations.
- The proposal would end a long-running dispute between the Internal Revenue and the petroleum producers.
- Lawrence leaves for a holiday this weekend but hopes to complete the long-running Jon Gittens deal on his return in July.
- Police would not speculate on a motive, except to say that Avanesian had a long-running dispute with his wife.
- Tensions flared in the long-running Senate Whitewater hearings Thursday as a former Arkansas securities commissioner testified that she warned then-Gov.
- The game also allowed the long-running feud between Limpar and Derby midfield player Mark Pembridge to continue.
- The incident followed long-running jibes between Snell and listeners about the industrial town of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
- Their reservations were voiced at the long-running Sizewell public inquiry, where the Suffolk local authorities have just finished their evidence.
- This had all the makings of another long-running acrimonious dispute, when again wider political events quite unexpectedly overtook the controversy.
THESAURUS
continuing for a long time: · The film was very long.· There has been a long period without rain.
continuing for a long time, especially longer than you want or expect: · Drivers face lengthy delays on all roads out of the city.· Police are going through the lengthy process of re-examining all the evidence.· He faces a lengthy prison sentence.
[only before noun] continuing for a long time – used especially about disputes, campaigns, or shows: · He has been involved in a long-running dispute with his neighbour.· The programme is one of the longest-running series on television.· a long-running campaign to prevent the airport from being built
continuing for a long time – used especially about effects or relationships: · Stress can have long-lasting effects.· While at the school, she made many long-lasting friendships.
formal continuing for a long time, especially an unusually long time: · Despite protracted negotiations, they were unable to reach an agreement.· The couple have been involved in a protracted battle for custody of their children.
continuing for a long time, especially longer than expected, or longer in a way that makes a situation worse: · He returned to work after a prolonged absence.· Studies have linked prolonged use of the drug to cancer.· a prolonged period of economic decline
[only before noun] continuing for a long time – used especially about visits, trips, breaks etc that last longer than was planned: · an extended stay in hospital· He took an extended break from work after his father died.· She didn’t like being away from home for extended periods.
[only before noun] strong enough or great enough to continue for a long time: · The negotiations were aimed at achieving a lasting peace.· This affair has done lasting damage to the president’s credibility.· The book left a lasting impression on me.
continuing for a long time – used especially about memories, influences, or feelings of liking someone or something: · One of my most enduring memories is of going on holiday to France with my parents.· the enduring appeal of Conan Doyle’s stories· his enduring love for Ireland
[only before noun] continuing for a very long time and needing a lot of energy, patience, or determination: · It was a marathon session of talks which continued until 3 am.· He arrived after a marathon journey across Europe.
Longman Language Activatorcontinuing for a long time continuing for a long time: · The play was good, but it was a little too long.· He died after a long illness.· It's a long flight - 15 hours.
a lengthy process or delay takes a long time so that you have to wait before you can do something: · She died of natural causes after a lengthy illness.· The runways have reopened, but travelers have been warned to expect lengthy delays.lengthy process/procedure etc: · He was indicted on drug charges after a lengthy investigation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. · The procedures for bringing a body back for burial are lengthy and complex.· Creating a new network system is a lengthy process.
a long-running event or performance is one that continues for a very long time: · The action is the latest in a long-running battle between the US and Canada relating to Cuban relations. · The proposal would end a long-running dispute between the Internal Revenue and the petroleum producers.· The long-running musical "Jesus Christ Superstar' is to close after more than 3,000 performances.
a long-standing situation, agreement, or arrangement has continued for a long time and is likely to continue for a long time in the future: · Motorola has a long-standing agreement to provide at least one week's training to all new employees.· The area is populated by Kurdish rebels who have long-standing grievances against Hussein.· GM maintains a long-standing policy of not commenting on market speculation and rumour.
strong enough or great enough to continue for a long time: · The speech could do lasting damage to US--German relations.· Japan's creation of a Western-style economy has been the country's lasting achievement.lasting effect/impact etc: · His next book is about the lasting effects of the Vietnam war.lasting peace/friendship/agreement etc: · Until we all give up violence, there cannot possibly be lasting peace in the world.leave/make a lasting impression: · The incident left a lasting impression on the young girl.
continuing for all of someone's life - use this about relationships, interests and feelings etc: · She first visited Ireland when she was ten, and developed a lifelong interest in the country.· Depression has been a lifelong struggle for me.lifelong ambition/dream etc: · According to his biographers, he had a lifelong ambition to make money.· For many people, owning their own business is a lifelong goal.lifelong member/resident/friend etc: · Virginia Maples, a lifelong resident, praised the town for its neighborliness. · Alvin met the poet Hughes, who became a lifelong friend and confidante.
continuing for a long time, or longer than you expected: · How are you going to explain your prolonged absence?· a prolonged and bloody battle for independence· Studies show that prolonged exposure to maternal depression can result in childhood mood disorders.
lingering doubts, hopes, or other feelings continue for a long time, especially long after a particular event: · She had a lingering sense of guilt for some time after breaking off her relationship with Henry.· For years, Mexico's primary feeling toward the US was one of lingering resentment.· What will be the lingering images of the Sydney Olympic Games?· If he had any lingering doubts about the marriage, he did not show it.
an enduring feeling, memory, influence, quality or relationship continues for a long time: · His childhood experiences had an enduring influence on his work.· My most enduring memory of my father is watching him clean his rifle.· The friendships formed in her schooldays proved to be the most enduring.· Cartoons have a universal and enduring appeal.
formal an abiding feeling, belief, or interest continues for a long time and is not likely to change: · She had a basic and abiding belief in democratic systems.· As a boy he had had an abiding curiosity about how things worked.· The internal security of his country was the President's other abiding concern.· His father had an abiding interest in nature.
a chronic illness or bad situation continues for a very long time or is permanent: · China has a chronic shortage of capital, so it must encourage saving.· the chronic decay of the inner city areas· We need to take steps to counter the chronic decline in our export market.· He suffers from chronic asthma.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY a long-running saga She was involved in a long-running legal battle.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
used to talk about something that has been continuing for a long time: a long-running saga She was involved in a long-running legal battle.· More importantly, however, they have given added urgency to the long-running debate about the future of Britain's inner cities.· This is a long-running debate which will not be documented here.
· But a long-running dispute by benefit staff forced the council to put back its own deadline for thousands of outstanding benefit claims.· Police would not speculate on a motive, except to say that Avanesian had a long-running dispute with his wife.· Franlow maintains Mrs Taylor was dismissed after a long-running dispute with the manageress.
· The game also allowed the long-running feud between Limpar and Derby midfield player Mark Pembridge to continue.· It was the beginning of a long-running feud which rumbled on throughout the war and beyond.
a long-running sagalong-running dispute/battle/debate/feud etc She was involved in a long-running legal battle.long-running show/musical/soap opera etc► see thesaurus at long- constellation
- consternation
- constipated
- constipation
- constituency
- constituent
- constituent assembly
- constitute
- constitution
- constitutional
- Constitutional Convention
- constitutionalism
- constitutionalist
- constitutionality
- constitutionally
- Constitution of the United States
- constrain
- constrained
- constraint
- constrict
- constricted
- constriction
- construct
- construction
- constructional