Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bonds, making headlines for the wrong reason recently, have been sinking for years.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
Homes in large portions of California’s Central Valley have been sinking, as have roads, bridges, canals and levees, as too much water is drawn out of underground aquifers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2025
Exports have been sinking as other major economies slow.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 12, 2023
But Twitter’s shares have been sinking, part of a broader pullback in technology stocks, and hovered at $45.22 on Thursday.
From New York Times ● May 12, 2022
It's marvellous how soon and fondly you can learn to love a rescuer like that when you are a stranger in a strange land and have been sinking helplessly in a sea of unknown words.
From The Ship Dwellers A Story of a Happy Cruise by Albert Bigelow Paine
