contend
verb (used without object)
to struggle in opposition.
were 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.
Even before the conflict, consumers were contending with a soft labor market and a savings rate that left little room to absorb a sudden shock.
From Barron's ● Apr. 1, 2026
The other thing investors were contending with Friday was what to make of Trump’s pick of Kevin Warsh as his nominee to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell when his term ends in May.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 1, 2026
Through the first part of November, they also were contending with a record-long government shutdown, which disrupted food aid, air travel and many federal workers’ paychecks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 21, 2025
Maui and the Big Island were contending with wildfires.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 8, 2023
It seemed to her, that two loving potencies, each of which had its own valid claim, were contending to get possession of her.
From Villa Eden: The Country-House on the Rhine by Berthold Auerbach
