Synonym for "dragged on"

I'm looking for a synonym for dragged on.

For example:

This project has dragged on and needs to be completed.

His story was very long, it just dragged on.

I have used languished in the past, although I don't think that is correct usage.

Solution 1:

Protract is a decent word choice. To protract is:

To draw out or lengthen in time; prolong: disputants who needlessly protracted the negotiations.

To fit your two suggested sentences, I would re-word them as follows:

This project has been protracted and needs to be completed.

His story was very long, and it protracted for what seemed like forever.