decay
verb (used without object)
to become decomposed; rot.
had been decaying
-
past perfect progressiveof decay.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 Regency home was the former residence of the first Governor of Australia, Lachlan MacQuarrie, but had been decaying for several years until the couple decided to try and convert it into a boutique hotel.
From BBC ● May 30, 2026
The small plaza in El Hatillo had been decaying for years, left as a dumping ground for trash before creation of the mural, and restoration efforts by local authorities.
From Washington Times ● Jan. 31, 2020
There great trees had died and fallen, and the branches had been decaying for many moons—no one can tell how many.
From Two Indian Children of Long Ago by Frances Taylor
Silk-weaving had been decaying year by year in Manchester, and for hand-loom weaving, at any rate, there was no opening at all.
From The History of David Grieve by Mrs. Humphry Ward
Endowed with strength and pertinacity, like all his race, it seemed as if he had been decaying for want of excitement, for the slightest demand on his energy immediately set his stagnant blood in motion.
From Mauprat by Stanley Young
