struggle

[ struhg-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, strug·gled, strug·gling.

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)

, strug·gled, strug·gling.

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: encounter, skirmish

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

Derived Forms

• ˈstrugglingly, adverb
• ˈstruggler, noun
• ˈstruggling, adjective

Other Words From

• struggler noun
• struggling·ly adverb
• pre·struggle noun verb (used without object) prestruggled prestruggling
• un·struggling 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

McHugh also sees links between his own life and the "struggling actor" character he plays in the new show.

From BBC

After struggling for the next 20 years to find a full-time job because of South Africa's crushingly high unemployment rate, he said he decided to become an illegal miner.

From BBC

Gazan medics say they are struggling to treat the injured, with aid agencies saying they cannot get essential supplies into the area.

From BBC

Scientists have struggled to understand how stars spiraling together during this critical period affects the stars' subsequent evolution.

From Science Daily

Traditional media companies have struggled to shore up their slumping stock prices.

From Los Angeles Times

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.