yearn
verb (used without object)
to have an earnest or strong desire; long.
have been yearning
-
present perfect progressiveof yearn.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.
“We have to invite people back to our city. We have been yearning to get back a big music festival on our beach to showcase the city, because the beach is our best asset.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
“People have been yearning for him to be arrested for a long time. It’s never been unsolved in our minds. It’s been unprosecuted.”
From Washington Times ● Sep. 29, 2023
"We have been yearning for change," he said, still in line by mid-morning.
From Reuters ● Jun. 24, 2023
“All we’re doing is bringing it back to Americans who have been yearning for it.”
From New York Times ● Dec. 23, 2021
I have been yearning for you as if you were my own son; and of all the men that ever I came for in my long days, I have come for you most gladly.
From Merry Men by Robert Louis Stevenson
