strive
verb (used without object)
to exert oneself vigorously; try hard.
was striving
-
past progressiveof strive.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.
Among other things, he said the organisation was striving to better protect motorcycle taxi drivers who transport patients, and integrate them into the surveillance system.
From Barron's ● Aug. 18, 2026
Jazz was striving toward new levels of sophistication in the 1950s, as advocates for the music argued for its due consideration alongside classical music.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025
The BTU union warned of staff being "hounded out of the business", but Lloyds spokesperson said it was "striving to embed a high-performance culture in the organisation".
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2025
I was striving for more, for better, for faster.
From Salon ● Feb. 9, 2025
I was striving for a level of expression that matched those of the novels I read.
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
