struggle for existence

noun phrase

: the automatic competition of members of a natural population for limited vital resources (such as food, space, or light) that results in natural selection

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

struggle for existence

: competition (as for food, space, or light) of members of a natural population that tends to eliminate weaker or less efficient individuals and thereby to increase the chance of the stronger or more efficient individuals to pass on their traits