trail
verb (used with object)
to drag or let drag along the ground or other surface; draw or drag along behind.
had been trailing
-
past perfect progressiveof trail.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.
Polls showed Orbán had been trailing for months behind Magyar, a former ally who turned against Fidesz in 2024 and built Tisza into a political force.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 2026
Both Australia and New Zealand had been trailing the three Chinese warships that were making their way down the eastern coast of Australia in what experts say is an escalation and unexpected show of power.
From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2025
Everton had been trailing 2-0 at halftime and was closer to relegation from the league for the first time in its history.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 30, 2022
Vance, the "Hillbilly Elegy" author and venture capitalist, a newcomer to politics who had been trailing other candidates.
From Reuters ● May 3, 2022
“It’s okay,” said Ms. Sandnes, who had been trailing us.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
