time-consuming

adjective

time-con·​sum·​ing ˈtīm-kən-ˈsü-miŋ How to pronounce time-consuming (audio)
Synonyms of time-consumingnext
1
: using or taking up a great deal of time
time-consuming chores
2
: wasteful of time
time-consuming tactics

Examples of time-consuming in a Sentence

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.
Unspun also knew that sticking with a manual, analog approach would be too time-consuming and expensive to respond quickly to style trends or other real-time demand. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 29 July 2026 Small businesses should strategically apply AI to automate non-judgmental, time-consuming tasks like paperwork, rather than general subscriptions. — Terdawn Deboe, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Adding to the backlog, some LAPD officials warn, are chronic requesters who flood the department with complex and time-consuming inquiries, all of which have to undergo several levels of review to avoid the release of private data. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 The process requires time-consuming campaigns across the state to gather signatures. — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for time-consuming

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of time-consuming was in 1600

Rhymes for time-consuming

See All Rhymes for time-consuming

Browse Nearby Words

time constant
time-consuming
time copy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Time-consuming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time-consuming. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on time-consuming

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for time-consuming

Nglish: Translation of time-consuming for Spanish Speakers

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