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.
Brokerage data show individual investors have been stepping in to buy nearly every dip in shares of chip companies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
Governments worldwide have been stepping up their efforts to invest in the technology and position themselves at the forefront of a coming technological revolution.
From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2025
The deputy first minister said they had highlighted how Scottish energy companies "have been stepping up" with similar compensation for customers.
From BBC ● Jan. 27, 2025
Crypto promoters have been stepping up their lobbying in Washington; crypto firms spent nearly $20 million on lobbying in the first nine months of 2023, according to the watchdog group Open Secrets.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2024
How many like him, intending to work solely for themselves, prove only to have been stepping stones for others.
From The Original Fables of La Fontaine Rendered into English Prose by Fredk. Colin Tilney by Tilney, Frederick Colin
