climb
verb (used without object)
to go up or ascend, especially by using the hands and feet or feet only.
had been climbing
-
past perfect progressiveof climb.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.
Even before the latest release of the consumer-price index, inflation expectations had been climbing, a potential trouble spot in a market where stocks have largely shrugged off the U.S.-Iran conflict and the resulting energy shock.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
Over the last month, US shares, which had been climbing since their tariff-induced rout in April, have flattened.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2025
At the same time, vehicle miles traveled per person in the United States — which had been climbing for more than 50 years — began to plateau.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 13, 2023
The Danish driver who had been climbing the Formula One ladder series looked comfortable after Rahal Lanigan Letterman hired him earlier this week.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 13, 2021
Its steps were smooth and worn, as if lots of people like the girl with the bike had been climbing up here for lots of years.
From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt
