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had been saddening

  • past perfect progressive
    of sadden.
    sadden
    verb (used with or without object)
    to make or become sad.

Example Sentences

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Simon Massie-Taylor, Premiership Rugby chief executive, also apologised to Burrell and said it had been "saddening to hear some of the language and attitudes he has been exposed to".

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2022

I found the sight not only interesting, but as cheering as those poor old things in the King's Road oasis had been saddening.

From A Boswell of Baghdad With Diversions by E. V. (Edward Verrall) Lucas