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
She had been avoiding U.S. products, but said she hoped tensions between the nations eased.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 12, 2025
Visiting Aberdeen - the UK's oil and gas capital, Miliband was asked if he had been avoiding the North Sea sector since July.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2024
Prosper had been avoiding Hornet’s eyes, but now he looked at her incredulously, as if he couldn’t believe his ears.
From "The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke
