strain
verb (used with object)
to draw tight or taut, especially to the utmost tension; stretch to the full.
has been straining
-
present perfect progressiveof strain (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.
Inflation has been straining business margins all year, and now higher interest rates are also whiplashing rate-sensitive industries like finance and tech.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 22, 2022
But for years, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has been straining at the bounds of its small size.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 17, 2022
The resulting spike in pet health concerns has been straining a corner of the medical world that doesn’t get as much attention as doctors and nurses: veterinarians.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2022
Hampered by supply chain disruptions and labor shortages in some industries, the economy has been straining under rising prices.
From New York Times ● Nov. 12, 2021
I had that feeling of the creature who has been straining long at bonds, and finds the sudden loosing a test of equilibrium.
From My Little Sister by Elizabeth Robins
