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.
Macquarie had been hoping that Woodside would overhaul its dividend policy at its investor day on Thursday, and considers the result to be a significant improvement.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
The two sides had been hoping to present several deals at the summit, namely on food and animal safety standards, a youth mobility scheme and the linking of their emissions-trading systems.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
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
It was several moments before I saw the dark, cloaked figure leading a horse—the very figure I had been hoping, yet dreading, to see.
From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood
