avoid
verb (used with object)
to keep away from; keep clear of; shun.
had been avoiding
-
past perfect progressiveof avoid.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.
It wasn’t an easy ask, but patients had been avoiding so many things for so long that their worlds had gotten smaller and many were willing to try something, even if it felt drastic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026
He did nevertheless laugh off a question from one reporter suggesting he had been avoiding the ball during games, before showing big ambitions for the remainder of the tournament.
From Barron's ● Jan. 5, 2026
Christi Clancy had been avoiding her best friend’s ex-husband.
From New York Times ● Nov. 1, 2023
My father vowed that one day I would finally taste the dish I had been avoiding and regret all those years I had passed it up.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 5, 2023
Toby had been avoiding bigger questions about his and Luke’s “plan” for months, mostly because Luke told him not to worry.
From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss
