rot
verb (used without object)
to undergo decomposition; decay.
had been rotting
-
past perfect progressiveof rot.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.
State Rep. Justin Bamberg, an attorney representing the family, said the leaning poles in Wagener had been rotting.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 29, 2023
When contractors arrived to fix the damage, they discovered that a wall in the unit had been rotting for years, probably well before the Rondeaus bought the property.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 11, 2021
The documents had been rotting away for centuries in Caribbean homes and churches that the Moravian missionaries established in the territory now known as the U.S.
From Washington Times ● May 23, 2015
"I've heard that a local man said the tree had been rotting away for ages," said Miss Morris, who is a student currently on a placement as a nurse.
From BBC ● Jan. 29, 2014
I visited a dentist, who said the tooth had been rotting for years.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
