collapse
verb (used without object)
to fall or cave in; crumble suddenly.
had been collapsing
-
past perfect progressiveof collapse.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.
The value of the bolivar had been collapsing for years despite — or because of — government efforts to control the exchange rate.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2021
The win eases some recent pain for the Indians, who had been collapsing amid a slew of injuries and little offense.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 8, 2021
"They will," answered Adan, who had been collapsing and digging his knuckles into his eyes for an hour and more.
From The Valiant Runaways by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton
