Definition

Adjective: - Requiring a significant amount of time to complete; taking up a lot of time.

Usage

The adjective "time-consuming" describes an activity, task, or process that demands a considerable duration to finish. It often implies that the effort or patience required is notable due to the length of time involved. - It is typically used before a noun (e.g., a time-consuming process) or after a linking verb like "is," "was," or "seems." - It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting inefficiency or a heavy demand on one's schedule.

Examples

• Preparing a home-cooked feast from scratch can be very time-consuming.
• Data entry is a necessary but time-consuming part of the job.
• The application procedure was more time-consuming than we had anticipated.

Advanced Usage

• Comparative and Superlative Forms: "more time-consuming," "most time-consuming."
  • Debugging the code proved to be more time-consuming than writing it.
• Used to modify gerunds or action nouns.
  • We are looking for ways to automate time-consuming tasks.

Variants and Related Words

• Time-consumingly (adverb, rare): In a manner that consumes time.
  • The work proceeded time-consumingly slowly.

Synonyms

• Lengthy
• Laborious
• Protracted
• Involved

Antonyms

• Quick
• Efficient
• Expedient
• Swift

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A labor of love: A task that is time-consuming but done for personal pleasure rather than reward. (While not containing "time-consuming," it describes a similar concept.)
  • Restoring the old car was a labor of love.

Adjective

1. of a task that takes time and patience