to try very hard to do something difficult or to deal with a challenging situation
Maria continued to struggle with her homework until she finally understood the problem.
Many small businesses struggle to survive during economic downturns.
✦ Late Middle English, from Old French ‘estrugler’ meaning ‘to wrestle’.
a difficult effort to achieve something or a period of hardship
Learning a new language can be a struggle at first, but it gets easier.
Her struggle to finish the marathon inspired many people.
to fight someone or something by pushing, pulling, or wrestling
The thief struggled with the security guard at the door until backup arrived.
The toddler struggled against his mother as she tried to put on his coat.
to move slowly and with great effort because something is difficult or you are tired
After the storm, cars struggled through the flooded street.
The old dog struggled up the stairs but wagged its tail at the top.
a short fight in which people push, pull, or wrestle with each other
There was a brief struggle before the police arrived.
The struggle between the two brothers knocked over the lamp.
