improve
verb (used with object)
to bring into a more desirable or excellent condition.
had been improving
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past perfect progressiveof improve.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.
Before the incident, the quality of Boeing’s airplanes had been improving, according to agency officials at that time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 26, 2025
Bilateral relations had been improving recently, but took a downturn when Australia accused the Chinese destroyer CNS Ningbo of injuring Australian navy divers with sonar pulses in Japanese waters on Nov. 14.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 28, 2023
The number of primary ones, fours and sevens meeting the expected levels of reading, writing and maths had been improving before Covid hit.
From BBC ● Dec. 14, 2021
Before the pandemic, safety on U.S. roadways had been improving for decades, thanks to enforcement of seatbelt laws and the advent of airbags, improved braking and stability control, and other safety features.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 8, 2021
The affairs of the family had been improving from the very day that André was stricken down by his malady.
From Make or Break or, The Rich Man's Daughter by Oliver Optic
