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.
WIPO, the UN patent and innovation agency, said AI was shortening the paths of discovery and fuelling much of the world's economic growth.
From Barron's ● Sep. 29, 2026
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
But during the second trimester, Ms. Ross learned that her cervix was shortening, meaning she was at risk of giving birth early.
From New York Times ● Jun. 23, 2022
With great exultation the wreckers noted that their pursuer was shortening sail.
From The Wreckers of Sable Island by J. Macdonald (James Macdonald) Oxley
