sputter
verb (used without object)
to make explosive popping or sizzling sounds.
has been sputtering
-
present perfect progressiveof sputter (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.
China’s economy has been sputtering for a years, with consumers especially reluctant to spend, hurting some of those companies.
From Barron's ● May 31, 2026
The British economy has been sputtering for the past year.
From New York Times ● Aug. 11, 2023
The danger poses another headwind for a world economy that has been sputtering toward a recession.
From New York Times ● Dec. 3, 2022
We’ve got one of the fastest players in the league and oiur offense has been sputtering.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 31, 2018
He has been sputtering and nagging for a dozen pages to swing off the front platform of the first passenger car that came to town.
From In the Heart of a Fool by William Allen White
