trail
verb (used with object)
to drag or let drag along the ground or other surface; draw or drag along behind.
has been trailing
-
present perfect progressiveof trail (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.
Mallory McMorrow, a state senator, has been trailing in third place.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026
California’s job growth has been trailing the national curve all year, and even though it made up some ground in January, the Golden State still lags behind when it comes to adding new jobs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 8, 2024
For the past few days, the government has been trailing its White Paper with a series of eye-catching announcements promising tougher sentences for terrorists, violent offenders and motorists who kill.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2020
He has been trailing in recent polls after a spasm of optimism that he could pull off a stunning upset in a state where Democrats have not won a major statewide race since 2006.
From New York Times ● Dec. 3, 2017
So I'm afraid it is Carlos who has been trailing after us.
From The Ranch Girls at Home Again by Margaret Vandercook
