strain
verb (used with object)
to draw tight or taut, especially to the utmost tension; stretch to the full.
was straining
-
past progressiveof strain.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 “acceleration of utilization” was straining the company.
From Slate ● May 14, 2025
Jacob Boswall, Leader of the Lebanon Crisis Analysis Team at aid agency Mercy Corps, said Lebanon was straining to absorb this latest shock.
From Reuters ● Nov. 23, 2023
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said the majority was straining the limits of definitions in order not to strike down the law.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 23, 2023
As early as the 1960s, the facility was straining to keep pace with the demands of new medical technology.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 27, 2022
He was straining his ears to hear the voice again, but there was no sound now except for Lockhart telling him he mustn’t expect a treat like this every time he got detention.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
