prohibitively long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prohibitively long" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is excessively long to the point of being impractical or unfeasible. Example: "The process for obtaining the necessary permits was prohibitively long, causing delays in the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or finishing a prohibitively long novel.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some voters faced "prohibitively long" lines and did not finish voting until early Sunday morning.

The New York Times

Aging-rate tests could help scientists evaluate possible anti-aging compounds in humans without prohibitively long studies.

The New York Times - Health

I meant to comment on his movie, too, but the lines at my local theater are still prohibitively long.

The New York Times

Clinical trials extend over three phases and can take years, making investments in life science companies prohibitively long term.

The New York Times

But his children are still quite young and a gubernatorial campaign would necessitate a prohibitively long leave-of-absence from his medical practice.

The New Yorker

The initial round of polling was plagued with irregularities, however, with instances of multiple voting observed in PSD strongholds and tens of thousands of Romanians living abroad unable to cast their votes because of prohibitively long lines at embassies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But on a recent visit to the studio park, one of the attractions was closed for repairs, another was closed between shows and the lines for English- or French-speaking visitors at a third were prohibitively long (the lines for people speaking Italian or Dutch were much shorter).

The New York Times - Travel

It is an evocative reminder that election day will be ugly, that the GOP will engage in voter suppression in hotly contested states, that we will see, as we have during the last two presidential elections, footage of black voters in prohibitively long voting lines in Cleveland, St Louis, Jacksonville… What a way to start the night.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such a large amount of data takes a prohibitively long time to print to the screen.

Earth, Planets and Space

For example, the so far prohibitively long parameter sweep that is needed for optimization purposes becomes possible.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prohibitively long" to describe time spans, distances, or processes that are so extended that they become a barrier to action or completion.

Common error

Avoid using "prohibitively long" in very informal settings where simpler phrases like "too long" or "very long" would be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitively long" functions as an adverbial modifier intensifying the adjective "long". It describes something that is excessively extended to the point of being impractical or unfeasible. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitively long" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes something excessively extended to the point of impracticality. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness. It's most common in scientific and news-related contexts and carries a formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the idea that the length acts as a significant deterrent. Alternatives such as "excessively lengthy" or "unduly extended" can be used for variety, but "prohibitively long" is a powerful and appropriate choice in many formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively lengthy

Emphasizes the extreme length, making it impractical.

unduly extended

Highlights that the length is beyond what is reasonable or necessary.

unreasonably prolonged

Focuses on the unjustifiable extension of the duration.

impractically extensive

Stresses the impracticality arising from the significant length.

inordinately protracted

Indicates a length that is unusually and excessively extended.

overly extended

Highlights that the length exceeds what is appropriate or acceptable.

unacceptably drawn-out

Focuses on the length being so great as to be unacceptable.

excessively protracted

Emphasizes the extreme and often tedious length.

unfeasibly lengthy

Stresses that the length makes it impossible or unfeasible.

impractically prolonged

Highlights the impracticality due to its extended duration.

FAQs

How can I use "prohibitively long" in a sentence?

Use "prohibitively long" to describe something that is so extended that it prevents a desired outcome. For example: "The waiting list was "prohibitively long", so we decided to go elsewhere."

What are some alternatives to "prohibitively long"?

Alternatives include "excessively lengthy", "unduly extended", or "unreasonably prolonged", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "prohibitively long" in formal writing?

Yes, "prohibitively long" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, as it accurately conveys the idea of something being excessively long in a way that hinders progress or feasibility.

What does "prohibitively long" imply about the subject it describes?

It implies that the subject's duration, length, or extent is so great that it becomes impractical, unfeasible, or acts as a significant deterrent.