depress
verb (used with object)
to make sad or gloomy; lower in spirits; deject; dispirit.
had been depressing
-
past perfect progressiveof depress.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 narrative around Lululemon had been depressing in different ways leading up to the appointment of O’Neill, who takes the helm on on Sept. 8.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 25, 2026
After the meeting, Mr Ratcliffe told reporters the meeting had been "depressing", and he didn't have "any hopes" of a breakthrough.
From BBC ● Nov. 11, 2021
But concern about Whoops' woes had been depressing the market for months.
From Time Magazine Archive
Strange to say, the information imparted to him had been depressing.
From Sons and Fathers by Harry Stillwell Edwards
Somehow that hasty cookery for five extra people had been depressing.
From A Court of Inquiry by Grace S. (Grace Smith) Richmond
