survive
verb (used without object)
to remain alive after the death of someone, the cessation of something, or the occurrence of some event; continue to live.
had been surviving
-
past perfect progressiveof survive.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 22-year-old had been surviving in temporary jobs - like factory work and cold-calling - since he was 16.
From BBC ● Jan. 30, 2023
For four years, Kelly had been surviving like a bottom-feeding fish off the carcass of the sunken Clay Helton era.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 5, 2022
IDLIB, Syria — For weeks, Ibrahim Abboud, an administrator at a hospital here, had been surviving on little sleep, consumed by worry and guilt, he said.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 2, 2021
Apparently, the bird had been surviving on various food items like tacos, pork rinds and even dog food.
From Fox News ● Sep. 24, 2019
As near as Sansa could tell, their chief accomplishment had been surviving the battle on the river, a feat that few enough could boast.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
