striving

American  

[strahy-ving] / ˈstraɪ vɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or practice of trying hard to do, reach, or achieve something; vigorous effort.

   In the striving for a just and lasting peace, ten agreements have already been reached by national and rebel forces.

2. the act of fighting or struggling against someone or something; competition, opposition, or battle.

   The pursuit of justice itself, or the striving against injustice, is a path to piety in Judaism.

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adjective

1. trying hard; making a vigorous effort to do, reach, or achieve something.

   America is the striving immigrant who starts a business or the mom who works two low-wage jobs to give her kids a better life.

2. fighting or struggling against each other.

   Atonement aims at the unification of striving factions by making amends for whatever caused the trouble.

Other Word Forms

• strivingly
  adverb
• unstriving
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of striving

First recorded in 1225–75; striv(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun senses; striv(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

"We will continue to respond swiftly and flexibly to changes in the business environment, including geopolitical risks, while striving to deliver safe, reliable, and satisfying products," the company said.

From Barron's • May 12, 2026

The chain has been doubling down on value meals and other low-cost menu items, striving to reclaim its reputation for affordable food.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Meanwhile, Intel has been striving to revive its foundry business, which manufactures chips for external customers.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 25, 2026

But this happens after she’s destroyed the opulent life she had with her husband, one entirely paid for by her striving.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

She clung to ms hand, striving to detain him.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin