compete
verb (used without object)
to strive to outdo another for acknowledgment, a prize, supremacy, profit, etc.; engage in a contest; vie: to compete in business.
had been competing
-
past perfect progressiveof compete.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.
Pogacar had been competing in the Vuelta because it is the only one of cycling’s three Grand Tours he hasn’t won.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026
Both factory Ferraris, who had been competing for the victory until the final hour, were nursing problems in the final stages.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2025
The two had been competing in youth tennis tournaments since they were 8, usually meeting in the finals.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2025
Both players had been competing for the fifth spot in the Braves’ starting rotation.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 14, 2023
Newspapers and radio had been competing for audience and advertisers ever since radio's popularity began growing.
From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow
