want
verb (used with object)
to feel a need or a desire for; wish for.
had been wanting
-
past perfect progressiveof want.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.
Ms Stevens said she bought the voucher in November and Jacob had been wanting to see the show for some time.
From BBC ● Dec. 30, 2025
They had been wanting a divorce all the time, but they had not dared to do it until I showed them the way.”
From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2025
"We had been wanting to collaborate for some time, and this was the perfect opportunity," Kim said.
From Science Daily ● May 24, 2024
He shared the notion with Mattingly, who had been composing since he was 6 but had been wanting to try writing vocal music.
From New York Times ● May 15, 2023
It was funny because it wasn’t something that I would’a thought to ask for, but sitting there then in my room, it seemed like something I had been wanting.
From "The Stars Beneath Our Feet" by David Barclay Moore
