tighten
verb (used with or without object)
were tightening
-
past progressiveof tighten.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 opposite pattern would appear if aging and reduced immigration were tightening the labor market more than weaker demand.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 25, 2025
However, Mr Copas says he'd seen slower sales and more demand for smaller turkeys this year, perhaps indicating customers were tightening their belts.
From BBC ● Dec. 15, 2024
Things were tightening up in Wisconsin, as they inevitably do, and everybody shows up.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2024
They also noted that banks were tightening credit and excess savings continued to be run down.
From Reuters ● Jul. 27, 2023
Already the companies were preparing to start: men were tightening girths, looking to saddles, caressing their horses; some gazed uneasily at the lowering sky.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
