decades-long
adjective
de·cades-long
ˈde-ˌkādz-ˌlȯŋ 
variants
or less commonly decadeslong
: lasting two or more decades : occurring over a period of two or more decades
a decades-long career
… no discussion of wolf research would be complete without mention of this fascinating, decades-long study.—
Robert R. Ream
Robert R. ReamHis decades-long accumulation of books makes an eclectic mix …—Stephen Mihm
Stephen MihmExamples of decades-long in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The unsung hero's act of kindness led to a decades-long friendship.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
This proposal continues a decades-long conservative strategy, originating with billionaire hedge fund operator Peter Peterson, to means-test Social Security rather than address the program’s fiscal challenges through revenue increases on high earners.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The acting icon — who has nabbed three Oscars in her decades-long career — also gave Colbert some insight into the inspiration for Miranda Priestly.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
While the Reddit thread remained focused on the viral image and celebrity sightings, McCartney’s performance itself marked another milestone in a decades-long career that continues to draw cross-generational audiences.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decades-long
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Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Apr. 2026
This proposal continues a decades-long conservative strategy, originating with billionaire hedge fund operator Peter Peterson, to means-test Social Security rather than address the program’s fiscal challenges through revenue increases on high earners.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
The acting icon — who has nabbed three Oscars in her decades-long career — also gave Colbert some insight into the inspiration for Miranda Priestly.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Apr. 2026
While the Reddit thread remained focused on the viral image and celebrity sightings, McCartney’s performance itself marked another milestone in a decades-long career that continues to draw cross-generational audiences.
—Claire Dodds, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decades-long
Cite this Entry
“Decades-long.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decades-long. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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