detract
verb (used without object)
to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation (usually followed byfrom ).
was detracting
-
past progressiveof detract.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.
Anderson had earlier last year announced she was taking a "temporary leave of absence", saying that "commentary" was "detracting" from the job.
From BBC ● Apr. 20, 2026
She stomped off in a huff, and eventually her husband came over and said that she was really upset and that seeing my dress was detracting from her having fun.
From Slate ● May 16, 2017
Both mayors agreed that the arms race was detracting from necessary social spending at home.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 29, 2016
Ethiopia's Tirunesh Dibaba, centre, in the women's 10,000m final, which drew complaints that the music was detracting from the action.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 4, 2012
"It is more than she could expect—not but what Beatrice is very good-looking and very clever," he added hastily, fearing lest he was detracting from his daughter's market value.
From Beatrice by Henry Rider Haggard
