unfold
verb (used with object)
to bring out of a folded state; spread or open out.
had been unfolding
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past perfect progressiveof unfold.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.
It had been unfolding for months and had the most brilliant endgame.
From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2026
The instrumental track behind one of Los Angeles’ biggest songs played over the Intuit Dome’s best-that-money-can-buy sound system late in the opening half — the perfect tune for what had been unfolding.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 19, 2025
Before Katy grabbed the spotlight, Hill said, most of the cultural battles had been unfolding in North Texas, which is more conservative.
From Salon ● Dec. 30, 2023
She said she believed in the prospects of U.S.-backed peace talks that had been unfolding between the government, Taliban and others in Qatar.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 15, 2021
Meanwhile, a rather spectacular panorama had been unfolding itself back of the string of box-cars.
From The Long Chance by Peter B. (Peter Bernard) Kyne
