First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1struggle
intransitive verb strug·gle \ˈstrə-gəl\
: to try very hard to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult or that causes problems
: to move with difficulty or with great effort
: to try to move yourself, an object, etc., by making a lot of effort
strug·gledstrug·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of STRUGGLE
1
: to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition <struggling with the problem>
2
: to proceed with difficulty or with great effort <struggled through the high grass> <struggling to make a living>
— strug·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun
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Origin of STRUGGLE
Middle English struglen
Related to STRUGGLE
2struggle
noun
: a long effort to do, achieve, or deal with something that is difficult or that causes problems
: a physical fight between usually two people
: something that is difficult to do or achieve
Full Definition of STRUGGLE
2
: a violent effort or exertion : an act of strongly motivated striving <a struggle to make ends meet>
3
: tussle 1 <during the struggle the gun went off>
See struggle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STRUGGLE
1560
STRUGGLER Defined for Kids
1struggle
verb strug·gle \ˈstrə-gəl\
strug·gledstrug·gling
Definition of STRUGGLE for Kids
1
: to make a great effort to do or achieve something or to overcome someone or something <I struggled with the burglar.> <We're struggling with money problems.>
2
: to move with difficulty or with great effort <A woman struggled through the snow.>
2struggle
noun
Definition of STRUGGLE for Kids
1
: a difficult or violent effort <Though it was a struggle to lift my eyes, I did so. — Avi, Crispin>
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