race
noun
a contest of speed, as in running, riding, driving, or sailing.
had been racing
-
past perfect progressiveof race.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.
Emergency teams had been racing to retrieve survivors from affected zones, where the widespread devastation meant food and water supplies were running out.
From Barron's ● Aug. 29, 2026
The CEO had been racing to finalize the deal to stem the defection of clients.
From Reuters ● Jun. 21, 2023
Before the conflict, her team had been racing to combat a wave of malaria and malnutrition in Darfur ahead of the June rainy season.
From New York Times ● Jun. 7, 2023
With the city’s longstanding COVID-19 anti-eviction rules set to expire in 11 days, council members had been racing the clock to formulate a new policy that could garner enough support to pass.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 20, 2023
Inside my chest, my heart had been racing for what felt like hours, jumping with every shatter or thud from downstairs.
From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken
