contend
verb (used without object)
to struggle in opposition.
was contending
-
past progressiveof contend.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
That marked the slowest growth since the end of 2022, when the country was contending with the economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026
During its creation, Portner was contending with a series of personal crises.
From New York Times ● Mar. 19, 2024
I was contending with some similar questions and struggles myself.
From Salon ● May 9, 2023
Of course, Eric and Kris know now that their dad was contending with invisible enemies.
From Seattle Times ● May 20, 2022
In fact, the Campagna was a scene of active agricultural industry only so long as Rome was contending with its redoubtable Italian neighbours—the Latins, the Etruscans, the Samnites, and the Cisalpine Gauls.
From Blackwoods Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 59, No. 365, March, 1846 by Various
