struggle

Definition

  • verb: to try very hard to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult or that causes problems
  • verb: to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition
  • often followed by 'to' + 'verb'
  • synonyms: labor, contend, strive

Examples

  • He has been 'struggling' with the problem of how to keep good workers from leaving.

  • She is 'struggling' with her health. [=she is having problems with her health]

  • She was 'struggling' with the door. [=trying to open the door]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) FRANNIE: Hazel? There's a friend here to see you. (SIGHS) Do you know if it hurt or whatever? Apparently he was struggling for breath for a long time... and then eventually he just went unconscious. It wasn't great or anything. Dying sucks. (..)
    2014 The Fault in Our Stars
  • (..) no later than Tuesday. We should move. All right. - Cobb, I'm coming with you. - I promised Miles. No. The team needs someone who understands what you're struggling with. And it doesn't have to be me... ...but then you have to show Arthur what I just saw. Get us another seat on the plane. (..)
    2010 Inception
  • (..) I cannot call you. And I have done this to myself, to us. At this late hour, my thoughts are of you and all you have sacrificed for this struggle. So many have sacrificed. So many have been lost. I wonder how many must we lose. I pray for discernment and guidance as we journey on. (..)
    2014 Selma