struggle

[struhg-uhl]

verb (used without object)

struggled, struggling 

1. to contend with an adversary or opposing force.

   Synonyms: conflict, fight, contest, oppose

2. to contend resolutely with a task, problem, etc.; strive.

   to struggle for existence.

3. to advance with violent effort.

   to struggle through the snow.

4. (of athletes and competitors) to be coping with inability to perform well or to win; contend with difficulty.

   After struggling for the whole month of June, he suddenly caught fire and raised his batting average 30 points.

verb (used with object)

struggled, struggling 

1. to bring, put, etc., by struggling.

   She struggled the heavy box into a corner.

2. to make (one's way) with violent effort.

noun

1. the process or an act or instance of struggling.

   Synonyms: exertion, endeavor

2. a war, fight, conflict, or contest of any kind.

   Synonyms: skirmish, encounter

3. a task or goal requiring much effort to accomplish or achieve.

struggle

/ ˈstrʌɡəl /

verb

1. (intr; usually foll by for or against; may take an infinitive) to exert strength, energy, and force; work or strive

   to struggle to obtain freedom

2. (intr) to move about strenuously so as to escape from something confining

3. (intr) to contend, battle, or fight

4. (intr) to go or progress with difficulty

noun

1. a laboured or strenuous exertion or effort

2. a fight or battle

3. the act of struggling

4. the radical and armed opposition to apartheid, especially by the military wings of the ANC and the PAC

Other Word Forms

• struggler noun
• strugglingly adverb
• prestruggle noun
• unstruggling adjective
• struggling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of struggle¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English struglen, stroglen, frequentative verb ( -le ) formed on a base of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of struggle¹

C14: of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Vindictive prosecution defenses are so rarely successful that legal experts struggle to recall the last time such an argument prevailed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This book focuses far more on Smith’s struggles while growing up, as well as her relationship with late husband Fred Smith and their eventual departure from the public eye.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If you are struggling financially, then ask your energy supplier for help.

Read more on BBC

The EU has struggled to exert influence during the two-year war in Gaza due to splits within the bloc between countries supporting Israel and those closer to the Palestinians.

Read more on Barron's

The tariffs are a heavy burden for the already struggling German economy.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• attempt 
• battle 
• clash 
• combat 
• conflict 
• contest 
• effort 
• encounter 
• endeavor 
• skirmish 
• strife 
• trial 
• work 

When To Use

What are other ways to say struggle?

A struggle is a war, fight, conflict, or contest of any kind. How does struggle compare to brush and clash? Find out on Thesaurus.com.