protracted

This term carries a heavy connotation of tediousness or frustration, often implying that the duration of an event is an unwelcome burden. It is frequently employed in formal, legal, or medical contexts to describe processes that have been unnaturally extended, such as negotiations or illnesses, where the length of time is a primary source of stress or complication.

While similar to "long" or "extended," this word specifically emphasizes the feeling of being drawn out. It suggests a stretching of time that feels excessive or inefficient, distinguishing it from a "long" period that might be positive or neutral.