strain
verb (used with object)
to draw tight or taut, especially to the utmost tension; stretch to the full.
were 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.
“If they were straining a lot, frequently, for a long period of time they could be inducing pelvic floor microtrauma each time, especially if you are not breaking the seal and that sort of thing.”
From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2024
While the economy resumed growing in the last quarter, business investment remained weak and rising prices were straining both corporate and consumer budgets, Darren Tay of Capital Economics said in a report.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 13, 2023
He said ministers were "straining every sinew" to minimise the risks from walkouts but it would never be able to eliminate them.
From BBC ● Dec. 12, 2022
In October, The Times reported some children’s hospitals in the state were straining or stretching resources because of the influx of patients sickened by RSV.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2022
Annabeth, Grover, and Thalia were straining too, like they were just as stuck.
From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan
