trouble
verb (used with object)
to disturb the mental calm and contentment of; worry; distress; agitate.
had been troubling
-
past perfect progressiveof trouble.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 problem had been troubling the forward for months and, in July, he spoke of needing to "listen to his body" after a long season that saw him play 57 times for United.
From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2021
The destruction caused by industrial-scale giant-clam harvesting could explain a contradiction that had been troubling marine biologists who study the South China Sea.
From Time ● Jun. 1, 2016
Although news of Carraway’s arrest shocked many, some Woods parents say there had been troubling signs.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 31, 2016
I found, and still do, that during my run I would go into deep concentration on subjects that I did not consciously choose, often those which had been troubling me that morning.
From New York Times ● Feb. 9, 2013
Suddenly, under Mercy’s friendly smile, the question that had been troubling her all the morning burst out.
From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare
