grapple
verb (used without object)
to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
were grappling
-
past progressiveof grapple.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.
Many told us it felt wrong to hold on to their money when their children and grandchildren were grappling with high costs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
On top of that, investors were grappling with renewed fears over an artificial-intelligence bubble following Oracle’s earnings late Wednesday.
From Barron's ● Dec. 11, 2025
Both Duarte and authorities were grappling with how to solve the problem of outdoor property theft.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2025
University leaders said they were grappling with a huge budget deficit and could not afford to meet the union’s demands without resorting to layoffs and other cuts.
From New York Times ● Jan. 16, 2024
Across the country, legislators were grappling with whether to regulate cell phone use by drivers.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
