Struggle

/ˈstrʌɡl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A strenuous effort or attempt to achieve something, often in the face of difficulty.
Her struggle to balance work and family life was evident.
A conflict or fight against something, whether physical, emotional, or social.
The struggle for civil rights has been ongoing for decades.
An internal conflict or challenge faced by an individual.
His struggle with anxiety affected his daily life.
verb
To make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition.
She had to struggle through the crowd to reach the front of the stage.
To contend or fight against something, difficult circumstances, or an opponent.
He struggled to keep his balance on the slippery slope.
To strive to achieve or attain something in the face of challenges.
They struggled to find a solution to the complex problem.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old French 'estrugle', from Latin 'strugula' (a struggle).

Common Phrases and Expressions

struggle bus
A humorous term referring to a difficult situation.
struggle is real
An expression used to convey that someone is facing significant challenges.

Related Words

striving
The act of making great efforts to achieve or obtain something.
battle
A sustained fight between large organized armed forces.
contest
A competition in which people try to win a prize.

Slang Meanings

Struggle street
After losing his job, he felt like he was living on struggle street.
Struggling artist
She's a struggling artist trying to make it in the big city.