B1adjective2K

Marathon

UK /["/ˈmærəθən/"]/US /["/ˈmærəθɑːn/"]/

Definition

lasting a long time and requiring a lot of effort, concentration, etc.

In simple words: A long race that is 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) long.

Examples

  • a marathon journey lasting 56 hours
  • a marathon legal battle
  • a marathon five-set tennis match
  • The painting would be completed in one marathon session.

Usage notes

Use 'marathon' in a sporting context to refer to the event. It is generally not used in formal writing outside of athletics. Informal contexts may see it used metaphorically.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'marathon' as a 'marathon' run, where you keep going and going!

Collocations

  • marathon runner
  • marathon training
  • marathon event

Synonyms

  • long-distance run
  • endurance race
  • ultramarathon

Antonyms

  • sprint
  • dash

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'marathon' with 'race' — a marathon is a specific kind of race.
  • Incorrectly spelling it as 'marathon' with multiple 'r's.
  • Using 'marathon' to refer to short distance events.