What term describes a condition that lingers over a long period of time?

The term that describes a condition that lingers over a long period of time is chronic. Chronic conditions typically develop gradually and persist for an extended duration, often requiring long-term management and care. They can vary in severity but are generally characterized by their ongoing nature, meaning they don’t resolve quickly or easily.

For example, chronic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis can lead to long-lasting symptoms and may need continuous monitoring and treatment over the patient's life. This is in contrast to conditions that are acute, which occur suddenly and are usually short-lived. Transitional and progressive do not specifically refer to the duration of a condition in the same way; transitional refers to a change from one state to another, and progressive implies that the condition gets worse over time rather than simply lasting for a long period.