11 Words For A Task That Will Take A Long Time

Tasks can be boring or fun. There seems to be no in between, and a lot of that enthusiasm depends on the length of the task in question. This article will specifically look into words we can use for tasks that will take a long time.

Which Words Can Describe A Task That Will Take A Long Time?

We can provide plenty of options to describe tasks of this nature. You should check out some of the following:

• Time-consuming
• Resource-intensive
• Lengthy
• Drawn-out
• Extended
• Prolonged
• Protracted
• Cumbersome
• Arduous
• Tedious
• Boring

The preferred version is “time-consuming” because it highlights the exact meaning we’re looking for. We can call tasks that are either boring or fun time-consuming. The idea is that they “consume” a lot of “time,” but we need not indicate whether we like the task or not.

Time-Consuming

“Time-consuming” is a great adjective we can use to talk about long tasks. We mainly use it negatively to show that we’re not happy about the amount of time something takes to complete. However, it can also be a positive adjective when needed to be.

The definition of “time-consuming,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “taking a lot of time to do or complete.”

• These tasks are very time-consuming, but I’m a diligent worker and get them done.
• I hate how time-consuming my days can be when the boss sets these tasks.
• Stop setting time-consuming work for him. He’s suffered enough already!

Resource-Intensive

“Resource-intensive” is a good adjective we can use with a more specific meaning. It refers to tasks that take a long time because of the amount of “resources” they demand from what is available in an office.

For example, if a system requires a lot of memory to run, it can be slower than usual. This is made worse if your office’s equipment is old-fashioned and lacks memory. The work could be slow through no fault of your own because it’s “resource-intensive.”

• The resource-intensive tasks always make me lose my mind!
• I don’t think you realize how resource-intensive this one was!
• Stop giving us such resource-intensive tasks! How are we ever going to complete them?

Lengthy

“Lengthy” works when we want to show that a task continues for a long time. We use it mainly negatively, but it can also show that we might be happy with certain tasks that require more time than usual.

The definition of “lengthy,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “continuing for a long time.”

• The lengthy tasks are always the ones that I look forward to doing.
• Sometimes, it’s nice to have lengthier tasks! That way, you can switch your brain off and just get them done.
• I want to stop with these lengthy jobs. I need to take a break from them!

Drawn-out

“Drawn-out” shows that we are not best pleased with the length of a task. It is a negative adjective we can use to describe a task that takes more time than it deserves.

It’s a good word to share your disappointment with a superior. If you believe that the task did not require as much time or effort as you gave to it, you might want to use a word like this to explain yourself.

The definition of “drawn-out,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “lasting longer than is usual or necessary.”

• You’ve managed to make this task more drawn-out than I thought possible!
• I feel like this task has drawn-out for longer than I wanted it! I’m so sick of it already.
• Can we stop handing out drawn-out jobs for the lackeys to do now, please?

Extended

“Extended” means that something is longer than usual. If someone is used to shorter tasks or jobs, we can use “extended” whenever we’ve decided to set them one that might take more time than they’re used to.

The definition of “extended,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “long or longer than usual.”

• I have extended the hours required to complete this task. Hopefully, you’ll find them more suitable now.
• If you’d like any more of these extended tasks, please do not hesitate to contact me.
• I think you should look into getting an extended record for this. The longer the employment, the better.

Prolonged

“Prolonged” means that something is designed to last for a long time. Often, tasks like this don’t require much brain power, but they certainly require a great deal of dedication.

Sometimes, the most boring jobs are the ones that take the longest time. Therefore, we need to find somebody who is willing to commit some hours into a task no matter how boring it might seem to them.

The definition of “prolonged,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “continuing for a long time.”

• The prolonged tasks have managed to keep my workforce busy for a very long time.
• I didn’t mean to set so many prolonged jobs for you. I’ll try to find someone to help you lighten the load.
• Oh, no! This task is going to be a prolonged one! I need to find the time to set aside for it.

Protracted

“Protracted” means that something takes a long time to complete. It works well when we want to use something other than “prolonged” to show that it requires a great deal of effort or time.

The definition of “protracted,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “lasting for a long time or made to last longer than necessary.”

• I have set a few tasks that might be a little protracted, but they’re necessary.
• You should find attached a list of protracted jobs that I need you to delegate for me.
• If you think I’m going to do a job that protracted for you anytime soon, you can think again!

Cumbersome

“Cumbersome” is great to show that we aren’t particularly thrilled with the length of a task. It means that we have a difficult time managing our time and effort because we find it much longer than it needs to be.

The definition of “cumbersome,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “difficult to do or manage and taking a lot of time and effort.”

• These tasks are particularly cumbersome. I think we should talk to the boss about them.
• Do you mind giving me such cumbersome tasks when I’m supposed to be on vacation?
• I need to find a job that’s less cumbersome. I’m sick of the long hours!

Arduous

“Arduous” works when we want to show that something is difficult because it is long and requires a lot of effort. Typically, arduous jobs are difficult because they require our minds to be active at all times.

Some people only have another “bandwidth” for a certain amount of time in their job roles or with the tasks they do. Therefore, if a task is not only long but challenging, it can prove too difficult for some people.

The definition of “arduous,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “difficult, needing a lot of effort and energy.”

• The arduous tasks set by our managers are getting a little out of control.
• I can’t handle all these arduous tasks! I need a break before I go mad.
• Let’s not agree to do any more of the arduous tasks! They’re not worth our time!

Tedious

“Tedious” allows us to be a little more specific with our inspiration or enjoyment from a job. We can use it to show that it’s long, but it also shows that we are not happy about doing it and will find it boring.

“Tedious” is a bit harsh when used to talk about all long tasks. While some tasks are long, they don’t always have to be synonymous with the word “boring.” However, some people simply avoid tasks that take more than a few hours for this very reason.

The definition of “tedious,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “boring.”

• The boss has set some pretty tedious tasks for us over the coming weeks.
• These tasks are very tedious. I think we might be able to speed them up if we work together but not by much.
• I don’t want to have to do any more tedious data-entry jobs. I’m sick of them!

Boring

Again, if we want to be more specific about whether we will enjoy the task (or not), then “boring” is a good option. It doesn’t specifically refer to the amount of time the task will take, but the implication is that it will be long and uninspiring.

Most people find longer tasks to be boring. If they take up far too much of someone’s time, they might find that they’re bored beyond belief. That’s why we can use this word just as well as “tedious.”

The definition of “boring,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “not interesting or exciting.”

• This task is so boring! I really didn’t want to do it, but the boss made me.
• I think this is incredibly boring! I wish there were something else I could be doing right now.
• Well, it’s definitely going to be a boring task. It’s going to take at least a couple of hours!

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