contend
verb (used without object)
to struggle in opposition.
had been contending
-
past perfect progressiveof contend.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.
Like many of its retail peers, Joann had been contending with changing consumer shopping habits and years of declining revenues.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 18, 2024
Madonna did not acknowledge her tardiness during the sold-out show, but at one point asked the audience if they could hear her given the sound issues she had been contending with earlier.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 14, 2023
He had been contending with images of police brutality and attendant protests in places like Ferguson, Mo., and Baltimore.
From New York Times ● Jun. 30, 2022
Phil, which had been contending with the abrupt resignation of Simon Woods, has named longtime insider Chad Smith its new chief executive.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2019
“No, Pip,” Joe assented, as if he had been contending for that, all along; “and what I say to you is, you are right, Pip.”
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
