<p>Time-dependent fracturing causes irreversible property degradation over time and may eventually result in the time-delayed instability. The essence of time-dependent rock failure lies in the initiation, propagation and coalescence of internal cracks, accompanied by irreversible energy dissipation. Thus, investigating the time-dependent failure process from an energy evolution perspective will enhance understanding of this complex phenomenon. In this paper, multi-stage compression tests with sustained loading were conducted on Jinping marble, and the characteristics of energy accumulation and dissipation were thoroughly analysed. Results show that the continuous input of energy is primarily driven by the increase of dissipative energy, which is used for the formation of new crack surfaces and the microstructure adjustment. Meanwhile, the elastic energy density remains relatively constant over time, indicating that the influence of sustained loading on the elastic energy evolution could be overlooked when analysing the time-dependent energy evolution. During time-dependent loading, the increase in friction energy density is primarily observed in the decelerating creep stage and the accelerating creep stage, while friction energy density remains relatively constant in the stable creep stage. Additionally, the structural integrity of hard rock also gradually deteriorates due to continuous fracturing, leading to time-dependent deterioration of long-term load-bearing capacity. The decreasing trend in long-term strength corresponds to that of fracture energy density, which is also reflected in the patterns of volumetric strain hysteresis loops.</p>