Struggling

/ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction.

She was struggling to break free from the ropes that bound her.

to contend with an adversary or opposing force.

The athlete is struggling against the competition in this year’s championship.

to experience difficulty and make a strenuous effort.

He is struggling with the complicated math problems in his homework.

to work hard to overcome a challenge or achieve a goal.

They are struggling to keep the business afloat during tough economic times.

adjective

requiring a lot of effort or experiencing difficulty.

Her struggling career as an artist has been filled with ups and downs.

The word 'struggling' is derived from the Middle English 'struglen', which traces back to Old English 'stryge' meaning 'strive'.

struggling artist

An artist who is having difficulty making a living from their work.

struggling to keep up

Having trouble maintaining the same pace or standard as others.

struggling with addiction

Experiencing challenges in overcoming substance dependency.

struggle

An effort to overcome a difficult situation.

effort

A vigorous or determined attempt.

challenge

A difficult task or situation.

In a tough spot

I'm really in a tough spot trying to pay my bills this month.

Having a rough time

He's having a rough time with his new job.