Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That pushed I bonds up, just as other fixed-income products were sinking lower.
From MarketWatch ● May 6, 2026
The lag could feel particularly long with January’s data, which reflect a period when mortgage rates were sinking and optimism was building for the spring season.
From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026
The Oilers were sinking at 3-9-1 before the move, but the Oilers now sit 13-12-1 thanks to an eight-game win streak that includes seven regulation victories.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 13, 2023
“No Rules Sandy” is a pendulum-swing sequel to “Free Love,” the subdued, wistful album that arrived in September 2020, when pandemic stasis and isolation were sinking in.
From New York Times ● Aug. 11, 2022
Perhaps it was meant for us: we had just fallen off the crest of a swell and were sinking down its back when its top was hit.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
