lingeringlin‧ger‧ing /ˈlɪŋɡərɪŋ/ adjective [usually before noun] 
Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. Mr Wilkins suffered a lingering death.lingering smell/aroma/odour the lingering aroma of chocolate—lingeringly adverb
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- lingering questions about the assassination
- Dad suffers from the lingering effects of radiation treatments
- For years, Mexico's primary feeling toward the US was one of lingering resentment.
- If he had any lingering doubts about the marriage, he did not show it.
- She had a lingering sense of guilt for some time after breaking off her relationship with Henry.
- What will be the lingering images of the Sydney Olympic Games?
- Carcasses are left to rot, while deer wounded by poor marksmen suffer lingering deaths.
- He clasped the royal hand and plastered it with three lingering kisses.
- If he had any lingering memories, which was almost impossible to credit, they would not match what he now encountered.
- It kills off lingering Tory hopes the economy is poised for recovery.
- She was niggled by a lingering doubt that she might have played her cards badly.
- Slow lingering illnesses may require only one remedy a day or less.
Longman Language Activatorcontinuing for a long time
continuing for a long time: · The play was good, but it was a little too long.· He died after a long illness.· It's a long flight - 15 hours.
a lengthy process or delay takes a long time so that you have to wait before you can do something: · She died of natural causes after a lengthy illness.· The runways have reopened, but travelers have been warned to expect lengthy delays.lengthy process/procedure etc: · He was indicted on drug charges after a lengthy investigation by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. · The procedures for bringing a body back for burial are lengthy and complex.· Creating a new network system is a lengthy process.
a long-running event or performance is one that continues for a very long time: · The action is the latest in a long-running battle between the US and Canada relating to Cuban relations. · The proposal would end a long-running dispute between the Internal Revenue and the petroleum producers.· The long-running musical "Jesus Christ Superstar' is to close after more than 3,000 performances.
a long-standing situation, agreement, or arrangement has continued for a long time and is likely to continue for a long time in the future: · Motorola has a long-standing agreement to provide at least one week's training to all new employees.· The area is populated by Kurdish rebels who have long-standing grievances against Hussein.· GM maintains a long-standing policy of not commenting on market speculation and rumour.
strong enough or great enough to continue for a long time: · The speech could do lasting damage to US--German relations.· Japan's creation of a Western-style economy has been the country's lasting achievement.lasting effect/impact etc: · His next book is about the lasting effects of the Vietnam war.lasting peace/friendship/agreement etc: · Until we all give up violence, there cannot possibly be lasting peace in the world.leave/make a lasting impression: · The incident left a lasting impression on the young girl.
continuing for all of someone's life - use this about relationships, interests and feelings etc: · She first visited Ireland when she was ten, and developed a lifelong interest in the country.· Depression has been a lifelong struggle for me.lifelong ambition/dream etc: · According to his biographers, he had a lifelong ambition to make money.· For many people, owning their own business is a lifelong goal.lifelong member/resident/friend etc: · Virginia Maples, a lifelong resident, praised the town for its neighborliness. · Alvin met the poet Hughes, who became a lifelong friend and confidante.
continuing for a long time, or longer than you expected: · How are you going to explain your prolonged absence?· a prolonged and bloody battle for independence· Studies show that prolonged exposure to maternal depression can result in childhood mood disorders.
lingering doubts, hopes, or other feelings continue for a long time, especially long after a particular event: · She had a lingering sense of guilt for some time after breaking off her relationship with Henry.· For years, Mexico's primary feeling toward the US was one of lingering resentment.· What will be the lingering images of the Sydney Olympic Games?· If he had any lingering doubts about the marriage, he did not show it.
an enduring feeling, memory, influence, quality or relationship continues for a long time: · His childhood experiences had an enduring influence on his work.· My most enduring memory of my father is watching him clean his rifle.· The friendships formed in her schooldays proved to be the most enduring.· Cartoons have a universal and enduring appeal.
formal an abiding feeling, belief, or interest continues for a long time and is not likely to change: · She had a basic and abiding belief in democratic systems.· As a boy he had had an abiding curiosity about how things worked.· The internal security of his country was the President's other abiding concern.· His father had an abiding interest in nature.
a chronic illness or bad situation continues for a very long time or is permanent: · China has a chronic shortage of capital, so it must encourage saving.· the chronic decay of the inner city areas· We need to take steps to counter the chronic decline in our export market.· He suffers from chronic asthma.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. Mr Wilkins suffered a lingering death. the lingering aroma of chocolateCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
continuing to exist for longer than is usual or desirablelingering doubts/suspicions etc Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. Mr Wilkins suffered a lingering death. the lingering aroma of chocolate (=one that does not go away)· I still had a nagging doubt that there might be something seriously wrong.
· He gave her a a long, slow, lingering kiss.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· She was niggled by a lingering doubt that she might have played her cards badly.· However, there is still a lingering doubt about the justification for such a rise.· Dennis's unwitting participation in our mating was so exciting that we soon overcame any lingering doubts about the risks involved.
Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. Mr Wilkins suffered a lingering death.lingering smell/aroma/odour the lingering aroma of chocolate—lingeringly adverb