promise
noun
a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc., by one.
had been promising
-
past perfect progressiveof promise.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.
The experiments were classified, but it was widely known among physicists that the results had been promising.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2024
Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am. had been promising “Grammys-level production” for the halftime show, the Boyle Heights native wanting to bring a special celebration to his hometown event.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2022
Anand had been promising a robust package of investments for upgrading the system set up in the 1950s, which is responsible for detecting incoming airborne and maritime threats to North America, including missiles and aircraft.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 20, 2022
On Thursday, Facebook unveiled the refinements to its policy that it had been promising.
From The Verge ● Jan. 10, 2020
She said people had been promising her information for decades and never delivering it.
From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
