unravel
verb (used with object)
to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.).
had been unraveling
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past perfect progressiveof unravel.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.
But his life had been unraveling long before then.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
It was clear, though, that Mr. Downing’s life had been unraveling for some time.
From New York Times ● Aug. 22, 2015
His family in Columbus, Ga., described Houser as mentally ill and said his life had been unraveling for years.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 25, 2015
Stories from friends and family suggested Salinas' life had been unraveling for some time.
From Seattle Times ● May 13, 2013
The grand punctilio of high-bosomed dreadnoughts like Emily Post had been unraveling for years, of course.
From Time Magazine Archive
