B2verb1K

Struggle

UK /["/ˈstrʌɡl/","/ˈstrʌɡlz/","/ˈstrʌɡld/","/ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈstrʌɡl/","/ˈstrʌɡlz/","/ˈstrʌɡld/","/ˈstrʌɡlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to try very hard to do something when it is difficult or when there are a lot of problems

In simple words: To try hard to do something difficult.

Examples

  • She had to struggle through the difficult exam to pass her class.
  • Many people struggle to find jobs in this competitive market.
  • The athlete continues to struggle with her performance despite all the training.
  • He struggled to lift the heavy box, needing help from a friend.
  • As a child, he would often struggle to express his feelings.
  • They had to struggle against their opponents to win the championship.
  • Politicians often struggle with public opinion during election seasons.
  • Despite the struggle, she managed to climb to the top of the mountain.

Usage notes

Use 'struggle' when discussing challenges or difficulties, both physically and mentally. It's appropriate in most contexts, from casual conversations to more serious discussions about issues.

Grammar pattern

struggle + to + verb

Memory hint

Think of a 'strug-gull' flapping its wings fiercely to stay in the air.

Collocations

  • desperately
  • hard
  • manfully
  • have to
  • against
  • along
  • down
  • struggle to your feet
  • badly
  • really
  • clearly
  • through
  • with
  • struggle to make ends meet
  • fiercely
  • furiously
  • violently
  • against
  • with
  • struggle free

Synonyms

  • strive
  • strive
  • wrestle
  • grapple
  • battle

Antonyms

  • succeed
  • flourish
  • thrive

Common mistakes

  • 'Struggled' vs 'struggles' confusion - using the wrong tense.
  • Omitting 'to' when saying what one struggles to do.
  • 'Struggles with' is sometimes mistakenly used with objects instead of actions.