long-suffering

adjective

long-suf·​fer·​ing ˈlȯŋ-ˌsə-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce long-suffering (audio)
-ˈsə-
: patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship
long-suffering noun
long-sufferingly adverb

Examples of long-suffering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The new-look Detroit Lions, now just 60 minutes away from a Super Bowl, have instilled hope, joy and even confidence in a long-suffering fan base. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 23 Jan. 2024 On the first play after the two-minute warning, Goff hit Amon-Ra St. Brown for 11 yards, allowing the Lions to run out the clock — much to the delight of long-suffering fans who witnessed the franchise’s second postseason victory since winning the 1957 NFL title. Larry Lage, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2024 The signal caller left Green Bay before this season to join the New York Jets, with hopes of revitalizing the long-suffering franchise. David K. Li, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2024 His long-suffering companion, Jack Dunphy, is a humorless scold. Mike Hale, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024 The country’s long-suffering Indigenous communities declared a nationwide strike in early October, blocking roads and halting commerce. Nic Wirtz, Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024 Pissarro’s mother was, true to the Jewish-mother stereotype, long-suffering and ever-complaining. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2023 Jonathan Groff also circled the role of Ken’s long-suffering friend Allan before Michael Cera landed the part. Zack Sharf, Variety, 14 Dec. 2023 Jane presents the new song as a special gift to long-suffering Harmonizers. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 1 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'long-suffering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of long-suffering was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near long-suffering

Cite this Entry

“Long-suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-suffering. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

long-suffering

adjective
long-suf·​fer·​ing
-ˈsəf(-ə)-riŋ
: patiently enduring lasting offense or hardship
long-suffering noun
long-sufferingly adverb

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