attract
verb (used with object)
to draw by a physical force causing or tending to cause to approach, adhere, or unite; pull (opposed to repel).
had been attracting
-
past perfect progressiveof attract.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Industry sources told the BBC the industry had been attracting major funding in the hub around Kings Cross focused on the intersection between life sciences and AI.
From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2025
The news about Mbappé had been attracting much of the attention in Spain, leaving the Champions League final to the side.
From Seattle Times ● May 30, 2022
The Hawaiian Open had been attracting pros well before that, however, and well before it became a state in 1959.
From Golf Digest ● Oct. 16, 2013
The Miss America pageant which had been attracting little national interest and had fallen on bad times – partly because of the feminist movement – was reinvigorated by her selection.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 24, 2013
Meanwhile their presence had been attracting attention, and it was evident that they took Henty’s companion, who was wearing a red shirt, for one of Garibaldi’s lieutenants in disguise.
From George Alfred Henty The Story of an Active Life by George Manville Fenn
