protracted labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protracted labor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in medical contexts to describe a labor process that is prolonged or takes longer than expected. Example: "The patient experienced protracted labor, which required additional medical intervention to ensure the safety of both mother and child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Talk about honor, principles and betrayal were absent from the coverage of the N.B.A.'s protracted labor talks.

The New York Times - Sports

In the novel's urgent opening, Dolores endures protracted labor while a local boy descends into the terrifying heart of the mining operation to summon Owen to her bedside.

The New York Times - Books

He has 10 more games in Newark to build a following this season, and presumably 41 more next season, barring a protracted labor stoppage.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Berends's best and most unusual material comes in a brief visit to a nearby village where a woman goes into a dangerous and protracted labor.

The New York Times

Baseball executives reportedly were concerned about putting an N.B.A. player in the spotlight while that league goes through a lockout, canceled games and protracted labor negotiations.

The New York Times - Sports

But Smith also said he would not hesitate to draw Congress, which has oversight of the union, into a protracted labor fight.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

This is a protracted, labor-intensive, and expensive procedure that can slow the diagnostic process and restricts use in a large segment of the population.

Autoimmunity Highlights

Representatives of a restive union plan to drown out the voices of senior executives like Peter R. Kann, the chairman and chief executive, hoping that the chants of several dozen Wall Street Journal advertising sales representatives and journalists will draw further attention to their protracted and heated labor dispute with the company.

The New York Times

All C-sections were performed during the first stage of labor because of protracted or arrested labour.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

A protracted South Florida labor dispute between the Coalition of Immokalee Workers CIWW) and growers of tomatoes in the region expanded to include Burger King and other major fast food companies, including McDonald's and Yum! Brands.

Wikipedia

The intensity, stress and protracted nature of the labor talks have inflamed nerves and heightened everyone's concern about the outcome.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In non-medical contexts, ensure the use of "protracted labor" is appropriate and not confused with general labor disputes. The term can be used metaphorically to describe any lengthy and arduous process.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted labor" when referring to labor union disputes or general work-related conflicts. While "protracted" can describe the length of a dispute, "labor" in this context has a specific medical meaning related to childbirth. Use terms like "protracted negotiations" or "protracted dispute" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted labor" functions as a descriptive term, typically used in medical contexts. It combines an adjective ("protracted") with a noun ("labor") to specifically denote a labor process that is prolonged or extended beyond the normal duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "protracted labor" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, particularly within medical, scientific, and news-related contexts. As Ludwig confirms, it accurately describes a labor process that extends beyond the expected timeframe. While it has a specific medical meaning, it can be used metaphorically with caution. Alternative phrases, like "lengthy labor" or "prolonged labor", can be used for variety, but always ensure the context is appropriate. A key point to remember is to avoid confusing this term with general labor disputes. When used correctly, "protracted labor" effectively conveys the duration and potential challenges associated with a prolonged childbirth experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy labor

Focuses on the duration of the labor, similar to "protracted labor" but with a simpler adjective.

prolonged labor

Synonymous with "protracted labor", emphasizing the extended duration of the labor process.

extended labor

Similar to "prolonged labor", using a different adjective to describe the labor's duration.

lingering labor

Emphasizes the slow and drawn-out nature of the labor, suggesting a lack of progress.

difficult labor

Highlights the challenges and hardship associated with the labor, shifting the focus from duration to experience.

labor of extended duration

Rephrases the concept using a noun phrase, focusing on the length of the labor.

labor extending over time

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the labor, highlighting its long duration.

tedious labor

Highlights the monotonous and time-consuming aspects of the labor process.

strenuous labor

Highlights the effort and exertion involved in the labor process, rather than its length.

labor with complications

Shifts the emphasis to potential problems and difficulties during labor, rather than just duration.

FAQs

How is "protracted labor" defined in medical terms?

"Protracted labor" refers to a labor process that lasts longer than normal. Specific timeframes vary, but it generally indicates slower than expected cervical dilation or fetal descent during childbirth. It might need medical intervention.

When is it appropriate to use "protracted labor" metaphorically?

You can use "protracted labor" metaphorically to describe any lengthy and arduous process, such as "protracted negotiations" or a "protracted struggle". However, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and ensure the context makes your meaning clear.

What are some alternative ways to describe a difficult childbirth besides "protracted labor"?

Alternatives include "difficult labor", "complicated labor", or "obstructed labor", depending on the specific issues encountered during childbirth.

Is "protracted labor" the same as "false labor"?

No, "protracted labor" and "false labor" are different. "False labor" refers to contractions that do not lead to cervical change. "Protracted labor" refers to a labor that is progressing, but at a slower rate than expected.