drain
verb (used with object)
to withdraw or draw off (a liquid) gradually; remove slowly or by degrees, as by filtration.
have been draining
-
present perfect progressiveof drain.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.
Commercial fuel stockpiles around the world have been draining for most of the year due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for moving oil in the Middle East.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
Timing is critical for Argentina, which is almost out of options, given its central bank reserves have been draining for years under strict foreign exchange controls from the government.
From Reuters ● Jul. 27, 2023
The plea, following Loughner’s long-anticipated competency hearing, forgoes what was expected to be a lengthy trial that would have been draining on survivors and victims’ family members, many of whom attended the proceedings.
From Time ● Aug. 7, 2012
Young brains have been draining to Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
From BBC ● Apr. 9, 2010
And yet the cup has not passed—we have been draining it to the very dregs!
From Shoulder-Straps A Novel of New York and the Army, 1862 by Henry Morford
