hope
noun
the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.
had been hoping
-
past perfect progressiveof hope.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.
Fed officials had been hoping that inflation pressures would subside over time, potentially even paving the way for more rate cuts.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 13, 2026
The company had been hoping to finalize the purchase by late September to avoid a higher payout.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
His brother Manoj Singh, a stone cutter, had been hoping to follow him to sea -- a plan he has since abandoned.
From Barron's ● May 25, 2026
The ailing budget airline had been hoping to finalize a $500 million lifeline from the government before running out of cash.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
It was just what Koffi had been hoping for.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
