- 1[intransitive] to try very hard to do something when it is difficult or when there are a lot of problems struggle (for something) a country struggling for independence Shona struggled for breath. life as a struggling artist (= one who is very poor) struggle to do something They struggled just to pay their bills. She struggled for 10 years to achieve success as an actress.
- 2[intransitive] + adv./prep. to move somewhere or do something with difficulty I struggled up the hill with the heavy bags. Paul struggled out of his wheelchair. She had to struggle into the tight dress.
- 3[intransitive] to fight against someone or something in order to prevent a bad situation or result struggle (against somebody/something) He struggled against cancer for two years. struggle (with somebody/something) Lisa struggled with her conscience before talking to the police.
- 4[intransitive] to fight someone or try to get away from them I struggled and screamed for help. struggle together Ben and Jack struggled together on the grass. struggle with somebody James was hit in the mouth as he struggled with the raiders. + adj. How did she manage to struggle free?
- 5[intransitive] struggle (with somebody) (for something) to compete or argue with someone, especially in order to get something rival leaders struggling for power Phrasal Verbsstruggle along
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NAmE//ˈstrʌɡl//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they struggle he / she / it struggles
past simple struggled
-ing form struggling
Check pronunciation: struggle