steal
verb (used with object)
to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force.
had been stealing
-
past perfect progressiveof steal.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.
Although not involved in the digging directly, Scottish Power engineer Colin White, 62, from Wavertree in Liverpool, had been stealing from his employer to provide equipment to the group.
From BBC ● Mar. 9, 2025
Tom Girardi, political influencer and renowned champion of the downtrodden, had been stealing from clients for decades, it emerged in court records and press reports.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 28, 2022
The McMichaels told police they suspected Arbery had been stealing from a nearby house under construction.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 7, 2022
Prosecutors said Mr. Glossip had been stealing from the motel till and was afraid that he was about to be fired.
From New York Times ● Nov. 19, 2019
In truth, I was tired, for I had been stealing many hours from my rest to spend with Hamlet.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
