shorten
verb (used with object)
was shortening
-
past progressiveof shorten.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.
The heat was shortening the life of his produce as surely as it was shortening the market day.
From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026
“What I helped them with was shortening the learning curve.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025
The Israeli premier said he was shortening a scheduled trip to Berlin.
From Reuters ● Mar. 15, 2023
When the Krewe du Vieux announced Avegno’s decision on its Facebook page, it also said it was shortening its route because of a shortage of police officers.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 25, 2022
Out in front he could see the flying leaders, but his mount was running smoothly, and as they passed the half mile pole he noticed he was shortening the distance that he must make up.
From History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921 by John Lawrence O'Connor
