were toiling
- past progressive of toil.
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 group worked in SL1001, a bland building with a blue glass facade betraying no sign that dozens of lawyers inside were toiling to protect the interests of one of the world’s most influential companies.
From New York Times ● Dec. 5, 2023
Scotland were toiling in their qualification group, languishing fourth, with just one win inside 90 minutes in their previous 10 competitive games, including three matches of an anti-climactic Euros in the summer.
From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2021
Still, the activity was expected to pick up as the day progressed, and crews were toiling to catch spot fires in steep, inaccessible terrain, he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2021
Then the ground shook and a plume of smoke emerged over the Androscoggin Mill in Jay, where about 200 workers were toiling away.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 18, 2020
In the boiler room, the men took turns manning the pumps to keep the water out, but they knew they were toiling for nothing.
From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong
