consume
verb (used with object)
to destroy or expend by use; use up.
had been consuming
-
past perfect progressiveof consume.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.
As the hours dragged on, rumors rippled down the line over the question that had been consuming everyone: how long, exactly, was the wait?
From New York Times ● Sep. 15, 2022
Among civil rights activists, issues like affirmative action in higher education had been consuming a lot of time, energy and resources.
From Salon ● Dec. 21, 2019
So I was super excited when Singleton dropped "Boyz n the Hood," a film that added real visuals to the music I had been consuming.
From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2019
What I later complained about publicly was that until a kindly regional auditor who was sitting next to me drew the mistake to my attention, I had been consuming my meal without noticing the difference.
From Time Magazine Archive
In the presence of Lady de Vaux, the fears which had been consuming me departed.
From A Monk of Cruta by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
