sustain
verb (used with object)
to support, hold, or bear up from below; bear the weight of, as a structure.
have been sustaining
-
present perfect progressiveof sustain.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.
Given the robust exports that have been sustaining factory activity this year, economists projected that policymakers would have little urgency in implementing novel stimulus measures.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
It easily clears the low bar of jukebox success to stand alongside the dark original musicals that have been sustaining the best hopes of Broadway in recent years.
From New York Times ● Dec. 5, 2019
“Our Afghan partners have been sustaining very significant losses,” Nicholson said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 9, 2017
While some emerging countries, such as Vietnam, have been hard hit by falling western demand for their exports since the financial crisis of 2007-08, others have been sustaining strong growth rates.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 18, 2012
