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

you will need infinite long-suffering to put up with that arrogant jerk the long-suffering parents calmly waited until the tantrum had passed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For one pitch-perfect game, at least, the long-suffering denizens of Leafs Nation were treated to something that almost felt like playoff calm. Chris Johnston, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025 His dismissal represented a stunning fall from grace for a man who helped change the fortunes of a long-suffering franchise. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025 With the Internet and electricity intermittent, fog has settled on the long-suffering people of Myanmar - who, despite their resilience, are fighting forces beyond compare. Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Wendy Hovland does a very good job staying firmly in character as the delusional Constance, and Fred Harlow is kind and sympathetic as her long-suffering husband Andy. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for long-suffering

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Long-suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/long-suffering. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

long-suffering

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

More from Merriam-Webster on long-suffering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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