adjective. Something, usually something unpleasant, that is protracted lasts a long time, especially longer than usual or longer than you hoped.

What does protracted mean mean?

transitive verb. 1 : to prolong in time or space : continue. 2 : to extend forward or outward — compare retract sense 1.

What is a protracted time?

adjective. drawn out or lengthened in time; extended in duration: a protracted and bloody war.