had been perfecting
- past perfect progressive of perfect.
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.
That’s where Messi learned to marry his individual brilliance with the Dutch-infused, team-first style that Barcelona had been perfecting for nearly three decades.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026
For centuries, however, the Chinese had been perfecting the art of papermaking.
From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023
By the time he unvieled the wave for a national television audience, he had been perfecting it for years in smaller venues.
From New York Times ● Oct. 19, 2017
Meanwhile, Mr. Patel’s brother, Preet, had been perfecting the undulating rhythms of ska, dancehall and rock steady with Mr. Terrana.
From New York Times ● Jul. 8, 2016
Soon after his return Champlain broached a plan which he had been perfecting during the voyage.
From Days of the Discoverers by Choate, Florence
