Definition

Verb (intransitive) 1. To proceed for an extended and tedious period of time; to continue slowly and boringly. * This sense emphasizes that an event, speech, or situation continues much longer than is interesting, enjoyable, or necessary, often causing boredom or impatience in those involved.

1. To last unnecessarily long.
   • This sense focuses on the excessive and unwelcome duration of something, implying it should or could have ended sooner.

Usage and Examples

The verb "drag on" is used to describe situations that feel excessively long and tedious.

• Describing a speech or meeting:
  • The lecture dragged on for what felt like an eternity.
  • If we don't stick to the agenda, this meeting will drag on all afternoon.
• Describing a conflict or difficult period:
  • The legal dispute dragged on for years, draining both parties' resources.
  • The winter seemed to drag on forever that year.
• Describing a conversation or social event:
  • The awkward dinner conversation dragged on in silence.
  • The party dragged on long after most guests wanted to leave.

Advanced Usage

• Transitive Phrasal Verb: "drag something on"
  • This form means to cause something to last unnecessarily long.
  • Example: By refusing to compromise, they dragged the negotiations on for months.

Variants and Related Words

• Drag (verb): To pull something along with effort. Figuratively, it can mean to cause something to move slowly or with difficulty (e.g., / ).
• Drawn-out (adjective): Lasting longer than necessary; protracted.
  • Example: It was a drawn-out and painful process.

Synonyms

• Continue interminably
• Go on and on
• Be protracted
• Wear on (e.g., )

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Drag out: Very similar in meaning to "drag on," often used transitively ("drag something out").
  • Example: They dragged out the farewells for another hour.

Verb

1. proceed for an extended period of time
   • The speech dragged on for two hours
2. last unnecessarily long