apply
verb (used with object)
to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent.
has been applying
-
present perfect progressiveof apply (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
She quit her data analysis job in Shenzhen to try her hand at entrepreneurship, but after failing to raise startup funding, she has been applying for roles with no luck.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026
Google DeepMind has been applying a similar approach: feed A.I. systems large lists of open math problems and report any successes.
From Slate ● Jun. 22, 2026
Recently, the Lazard team has been applying a “life cycle score” in its valuation analysis for companies, whereby its quant models value younger companies with more room to grow differently than older, more mature companies.
From Barron's ● Mar. 4, 2026
Jitesh Patel studied agriculture at university and has been applying science to farming ever since.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2025
Well now, she has been applying for some place where they want security.
From Alton of Somasco by Harold Bindloss
