dispute
verb (used without object)
to engage in argument or debate.
had been disputing
-
past perfect progressiveof dispute.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 CMS system had added the outstanding amount, and some arrears he had been disputing, to his continuing payments to come up with the new figure.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
The lawsuit prompted residents to reach out to tribal members from the Fort Mojave and Chemehuevi reservations who had been disputing a separate development in nearby Ivanpah Valley.
From New York Times ● Jan. 24, 2023
Her husband had been disputing emergency room charges when the hospital sued; the case was resolved and dismissed.
From New York Times ● Sep. 3, 2019
But they made no reply, for they had been disputing on the way about which of them was greatest.
From The Children's Bible by Henry A. Sherman
Upon that they had been disputing for some time.
From The Passionate Friends by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
