grapple
verb (used without object)
to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
had been grappling
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past perfect progressiveof grapple.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.
While filming, Aduba had been grappling with her mother’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 19, 2025
A spokesperson for Cardiff council said the city had been "grappling with a housing emergency for the past two years".
From BBC ● Mar. 18, 2025
With the Jan. 5 incident still under investigation by federal officials, Boeing executives had been grappling with how much to emphasize its efforts to improve safety while also reassuring shareholders about its financial performance.
From New York Times ● Jan. 31, 2024
Hotel operators, who had been grappling over the past year with an uneven recovery in Chinese demand, are now benefiting from pent-up demand in Greater China.
From Reuters ● May 5, 2023
It was midafternoon, and the Prince had been grappling with the giant beast since morning, and finally, after all these hours, the hairy thing was weakening.
From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman
