struggle

1 of 2

verb

strug·​gle ˈstrə-gəl 

struggled; struggling ˈstrə-g(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition

struggling with the problem

2

: to proceed with difficulty or with great effort

struggled through the high grass

struggling to make a living

struggler

ˈstrə-g(ə-)lər 

noun

struggle

2 of 2

noun

1

: contest, strife

armed struggle

a power struggle

2

: a violent effort or exertion : an act of strongly motivated striving

a struggle to make ends meet

3

: tussle sense 1

during the struggle the gun went off

Synonyms

Verb

• blunder
• bumble
• flog [British]
• flounder
• limp
• lumber
• plod
• stumble
• trudge

Noun

• battle
• fight
• fray
• scrabble
• throes

Examples of struggle in a Sentence

Verb

He has been struggling with the problem of how to keep good workers from leaving.

They struggled for the right to vote.

She struggled up the hill through the snow.

She struggled to lift the package by herself, but it was too heavy.

He struggled to get free of the wreckage.

He's been struggling in math class for most of the year.

The team has continued to struggle in recent weeks.

He was living as a struggling artist in the city.

Noun

the struggle for civil rights

There was a struggle for the gun.

There was no sign of a struggle.

It was a struggle getting out of bed this morning.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Her services are rooted in an experiential understanding of the matter, having served as a high-flying attorney for over two decades and struggling with burnout herself. —Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

The Terps lost eight games in 2024, struggling again in conference play under coach Mike Locksley. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

One of the officers was shocked during the struggle, too. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024

Understanding this connection helps parents approach these challenges with empathy, recognizing that stress may amplify these struggles. —Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English struglen

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing struggle

• power struggle
• struggle for existence
• struggle on

Kids Definition

struggle

1 of 2 verb

strug·​gle ˈstrəg-əl 

struggled; struggling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to make a great effort to overcome someone or something : strive

struggling with the problem

2

: to proceed with difficulty or with great effort

struggled through the snow

struggler

-(ə-)lər 

noun

struggle

2 of 2 noun

1

: fight entry 2 sense 1a, contest

a power struggle

2

: a violent or strenuous effort or exertion

a struggle to make ends meet