perfect
adjective
matching in every detail the definition of an ideal type of something.
had been perfecting
-
past perfect progressiveof perfect.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.
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 Florence Choate
