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struggling

B1 verb #28 most common 13 min read

struggling

Top 28

At the A1 level, 'struggling' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it in simple contexts. It means that something is very, very hard for someone. You might see it used with physical things. For example, if a person is carrying many heavy bags, they are struggling. You can think of it as 'having a lot of trouble.' At this level, we focus on the basic idea of 'hard work' and 'difficulty.' You don't need to use it yourself yet, but if you hear someone say 'I am struggling,' they mean they need help because what they are doing is not easy. It is like when you try to open a very tight jar—you are struggling to open it. It is a word about effort and things not being easy. Remember, it is more than just 'working hard'; it is working hard because there is a big problem.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'struggling' to describe common difficulties in your life. You might use it to talk about school, like 'I am struggling with English grammar.' This means the grammar is difficult for you and you are trying hard to learn it. You can also use it for physical actions, like 'He is struggling to run fast.' It is a useful word because it tells people that you are making an effort, even if you are not succeeding yet. At this level, you should learn the pattern 'struggling with [something]' and 'struggling to [do something].' These two patterns will cover most of the situations you need. It's a step up from just saying 'It's hard.' Saying 'I'm struggling' shows more about how you are feeling and how much you are trying.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'struggling' in various contexts. You can use it to describe personal challenges, social issues, or even economic situations. For example, you might read about a 'struggling economy' in a news article. This means the economy is not doing well and is having many problems. You can also use it to describe emotional states, like 'She is struggling to cope with the stress of her new job.' At this level, you understand that 'struggling' implies a process of trying to overcome an obstacle. You can also recognize it as an adjective, such as in the phrase 'a struggling artist.' This describes someone who is working hard at their art but hasn't become famous or rich yet. It's a very expressive word that adds depth to your descriptions of people and situations.

At the B2 level, you can use 'struggling' with more nuance and precision. You understand the difference between 'struggling with' (dealing with a problem) and 'struggling for' (fighting to get something). You can use it in more formal writing to describe complex social or political issues. For example, 'The government is struggling to balance the budget while maintaining public services.' You also start to see how 'struggling' can be used metaphorically, such as 'struggling with a decision' or 'struggling against the tide of public opinion.' At this level, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'grappling' or 'contending' and know when to use them instead of 'struggling' to vary your vocabulary and match the tone of your writing. You can use the word to describe systemic issues, not just individual ones.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated understanding of 'struggling' and its many connotations. You can use it to describe intricate internal conflicts or subtle shifts in power dynamics. For example, you might analyze a character in a novel who is 'struggling with their sense of identity.' You are also aware of the word's use in professional and academic registers, where it might be used to describe a theory that is 'struggling for acceptance' in the scientific community. You can use 'struggling' to create a specific tone, whether it's one of empathy, criticism, or clinical observation. You understand how the word can be used to frame a narrative, highlighting the tension between effort and resistance. Your use of the word is precise, and you can easily substitute it with more specialized terms when necessary to achieve a specific effect.

At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'struggling' and can use it with complete fluency and native-like precision. You understand its historical roots and how its meaning has evolved over time. You can use it in highly complex, abstract discussions, such as 'the struggling of the human spirit against the constraints of mortality.' You are also aware of the most subtle idiomatic uses and can use the word to create sophisticated rhetorical effects. You can play with the word's connotations, using it ironically or to evoke a very specific emotional response in your audience. At this level, 'struggling' is just one tool in your extensive vocabulary, and you use it with an effortless understanding of its power and limitations in any given context, from the most formal academic paper to the most casual conversation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

struggling in 30 Seconds

Struggling describes a state of intense effort against difficulty, whether physical, mental, or financial, highlighting the friction between a goal and the obstacles to it.
It is commonly used as a verb in the continuous tense ('is struggling') or as an adjective to describe someone facing chronic challenges ('a struggling student').
The word carries an emotional weight, often evoking empathy by focusing on the persistence of the individual rather than just the failure of the task.
Key grammatical patterns include 'struggling with' for problems and 'struggling to' for difficult actions, making it a versatile tool for describing various hardships.

The word struggling is the present participle of the verb 'struggle,' and it serves as a powerful descriptor for any situation where effort meets significant resistance. At its core, to be struggling is to be in the midst of a difficult battle, whether that battle is physical, mental, emotional, or financial. It implies that the person or entity involved is not merely performing a task, but is actively exerting a great deal of energy just to keep their head above water or to make the slightest bit of progress. In contemporary English, we use 'struggling' to humanize the experience of difficulty, moving beyond the simple fact of a problem to describe the lived experience of trying to solve it. It is a word that carries weight, often evoking empathy from the listener because it suggests a state of vulnerability combined with persistence.

The Physical Dimension: In a physical sense, struggling describes the literal movement of a body trying to break free from a restraint or to move against a heavy force. Think of a swimmer struggling against a strong current or a climber struggling to reach the next ledge. It is characterized by visible exertion and often a lack of smooth, coordinated movement.

The hiker was struggling to catch his breath as the altitude increased and the air became thin.

The Academic and Professional Context: In schools and workplaces, struggling is used to describe someone who is having trouble meeting expectations or understanding new concepts. A student might be struggling with calculus, or a new employee might be struggling to learn the company's complex software system. Here, it indicates a gap between the required skill level and the individual's current capability.

Even though she studied every night, Sarah found herself struggling with the advanced chemistry equations.

Economic and Societal Use: On a larger scale, we talk about struggling economies, struggling businesses, or struggling neighborhoods. In these cases, the word describes a systemic failure to thrive or a constant state of crisis management. A struggling business is one that is barely making enough money to pay its bills and is at risk of closing.

The local bookstore has been struggling to survive ever since the massive online retailer started offering same-day delivery.

Furthermore, the word has a deep emotional resonance. When we say someone is 'struggling,' without any further qualification, it often implies a mental health challenge or a difficult period in their personal life. It is a sensitive way to acknowledge that someone is going through a hard time. This versatility makes 'struggling' one of the most essential words for expressing the complexities of human effort and the various obstacles we face in life. Whether it is a small child struggling to tie their shoes or a nation struggling to rebuild after a disaster, the word captures the essence of the fight against adversity.

After the loss of his job, Mark was struggling to maintain a positive outlook on his future.

The team was struggling to keep up with the pace of the game in the final minutes.

Using 'struggling' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. As a present participle, it can function as part of a continuous verb tense, an adjective, or even a gerund. The most common construction is 'to be struggling,' which describes an ongoing state of difficulty. When using it this way, you often need a prepositional phrase to clarify what is causing the struggle. The most frequent preposition is 'with,' used for objects, people, or concepts. For example, 'struggling with a heavy suitcase' or 'struggling with a difficult decision.' Another common preposition is 'to,' followed by an infinitive verb, which describes the action that is difficult to perform, such as 'struggling to breathe' or 'struggling to understand.'

As a Continuous Verb: This is the most direct use, indicating that the action of struggling is happening right now or was happening over a period of time. It emphasizes the process and the duration of the effort.

The small boat was struggling against the massive waves in the middle of the storm.

As an Attributive Adjective: You can place 'struggling' directly before a noun to describe a person or entity characterized by their difficulties. This is very common in phrases like 'struggling artist' or 'struggling student.'

The city government announced a new grant program to support struggling small businesses in the downtown area.

With the Preposition 'Against': When the difficulty comes from an external force that is actively opposing you, 'against' is the best choice. This is common in political, physical, or social contexts.

The community is struggling against the proposed demolition of the historic library.

It is also important to note the difference between 'struggling' and 'trying.' While both involve effort, 'struggling' implies that the effort is painful, difficult, or potentially unsuccessful. If you say 'I am trying to learn Spanish,' it sounds like a normal activity. If you say 'I am struggling to learn Spanish,' it suggests that you are finding it exceptionally hard and perhaps feeling frustrated. This distinction is crucial for conveying the right tone in your writing and speech. Additionally, 'struggling' can be used to describe internal conflict, such as 'struggling with one's conscience' or 'struggling to make a choice.' In these cases, the 'force' being fought is within the person themselves.

He sat in silence for a long time, struggling with the guilt of his past mistakes.

The actor was struggling to remember his lines during the opening night of the play.

The word 'struggling' is ubiquitous in modern English, appearing in everything from high-stakes news broadcasts to casual coffee shop conversations. Its prevalence stems from its ability to succinctly describe the friction of existence. In the news, you will frequently hear it in economic reports. Journalists often speak of 'struggling families' when discussing the impact of inflation or 'struggling industries' when a particular sector of the economy is in decline. This usage frames the economic data in human terms, highlighting the real-world consequences of abstract financial trends. In sports commentary, 'struggling' is used to describe an athlete or a team that is not performing at their usual level. A commentator might say, 'The defending champions are struggling to find their rhythm this season,' which conveys a sense of unexpected difficulty and a fall from grace.

In News and Media: Media outlets use 'struggling' to create a narrative of conflict and perseverance. It is a key word in stories about social justice, environmental crises, and political upheaval, where groups are described as struggling for their rights or for survival.

The documentary highlights the lives of people struggling to survive in the world's most crowded refugee camps.

In Academic and Educational Settings: Teachers and professors use 'struggling' to identify students who need extra support. It is often used in a supportive way to indicate that the student is putting in effort but hasn't yet mastered the material.

We have implemented a peer-tutoring program specifically for students who are struggling with literacy skills.

In Healthcare and Therapy: In medical contexts, 'struggling' is used to describe physical symptoms, like 'struggling for breath.' In therapy, it is used to describe the internal process of dealing with trauma, anxiety, or depression.

The patient was struggling with the side effects of the new medication, which included severe fatigue.

In everyday conversation, 'struggling' is a versatile way to express being overwhelmed. You might hear a friend say, 'I'm really struggling to get everything done before my vacation,' or 'I'm struggling with this new phone; I can't figure out how to change the settings.' In these instances, the word acts as a bridge, inviting the other person to offer help or sympathy. It is also common in the world of art and entertainment, where the 'struggling artist' is a well-known archetype—someone who is dedicated to their craft but hasn't yet achieved financial success or recognition. This widespread use across different domains shows how 'struggling' is a fundamental part of the vocabulary we use to describe the human condition and our various efforts to navigate a complex world.

Many young musicians spend years struggling in small clubs before they ever get a chance to record an album.

The government is struggling to find a solution to the housing crisis that satisfies all stakeholders.

Even though 'struggling' is a common word, there are several pitfalls that learners and even native speakers can fall into. The most frequent errors involve preposition usage, confusion with similar-sounding words, and subtle misapplications of its meaning. Understanding these common mistakes will help you use 'struggling' with greater precision and confidence. One of the most common errors is using 'struggling' as a transitive verb, meaning people try to use it with a direct object. For example, saying 'He is struggling the math problem' is incorrect. You must use a preposition like 'with' or 'to' to connect the action of struggling to the source of the difficulty. Correcting this to 'He is struggling with the math problem' makes the sentence grammatically sound.

Preposition Confusion: 'With' vs. 'For': Using 'struggling with' implies you are having difficulty dealing with something that already exists. Using 'struggling for' implies you are fighting to obtain something you don't have, like 'struggling for breath' or 'struggling for independence.'

Incorrect: She is struggling for her homework. Correct: She is struggling with her homework.

Confusion with 'Striving': While both words involve effort, 'striving' is generally positive and goal-oriented, whereas 'struggling' is often negative and difficulty-oriented. If you are 'striving for excellence,' you are working hard to be great. If you are 'struggling for excellence,' it sounds like you are finding it nearly impossible to achieve.

He was struggling to finish the race, his legs feeling like lead with every step.

Overusing the Word: Because 'struggling' is such a versatile word, it can be overused. If every difficulty is described as a 'struggle,' the word loses its impact. Try using more specific words like 'grappling,' 'wrestling,' or 'laboring' to add variety to your writing.

The company is struggling to maintain its market share against newer, more agile competitors.

Another subtle mistake is failing to match the intensity of 'struggling' with the situation. Using 'struggling' for a very minor inconvenience can sound dramatic or sarcastic. For instance, 'I'm struggling to decide which shirt to wear' might be okay in a joking context, but in a serious discussion, it might seem trivial. Finally, be careful with the spelling; the double 'g' is essential. Many learners accidentally write 'strugling,' which is a common typo. Remembering that the 'g' is doubled before adding '-ing' is a basic but important rule for this word. By being mindful of these common errors, you can ensure that your use of 'struggling' is always accurate and effective.

She was struggling to keep her eyes open during the long, boring lecture.

The city is struggling to repair the infrastructure damaged by the recent floods.

While 'struggling' is a fantastic and versatile word, the English language offers a rich array of synonyms and alternatives that can provide more specific nuances depending on the context. Choosing the right alternative can make your writing more vivid and precise. For example, if you want to emphasize the physical labor involved, 'laboring' or 'toiling' might be better choices. If the struggle is more about dealing with a complex problem or idea, 'grappling' or 'wrestling' are excellent metaphors. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to paint a clearer picture for your reader. Below, we compare 'struggling' with some of its most common alternatives to help you choose the best word for your needs.

Struggling vs. Grappling: 'Grappling' often implies a more intellectual or conceptual struggle. You grapple with an idea, a problem, or a difficult decision. It suggests a more active, hands-on attempt to get a 'grip' on something complex.

The philosophers have been grappling with the nature of consciousness for centuries.

Struggling vs. Laboring: 'Laboring' emphasizes the sheer amount of work and effort required. It is often used for physical tasks or long, tedious processes. If someone is 'laboring under a misconception,' it means they are carrying a heavy burden of a wrong idea.

The oxen were laboring to pull the heavy plow through the thick, wet clay.

Struggling vs. Floundering: 'Floundering' suggests a struggle that is clumsy, disorganized, or likely to fail. It often implies a lack of direction or purpose. A 'floundering' company is one that is making many mistakes and is in serious trouble.

Without a clear leader, the committee was floundering and unable to make any progress on the project.

Other alternatives include 'battling,' which adds a sense of conflict and aggression, and 'striving,' which, as mentioned before, is more about working toward a positive goal. If you are 'contending' with something, you are dealing with a difficult situation or competitor. For instance, 'The team is contending with several injuries this season.' Each of these words brings a different flavor to the idea of effort and difficulty. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can express the nuances of any situation where someone is 'struggling,' making your communication more effective and engaging.

The scientists are battling against time to find a cure for the new virus.

The young entrepreneur was striving to build a company that was both profitable and ethical.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The corporation is struggling to maintain its profit margins in a volatile market."

Neutral

"He is struggling with his homework tonight."

Informal

"I'm really struggling to get out of bed this morning."

Child friendly

"The little turtle is struggling to reach the ocean."

Slang

"I'm struggling, man. This week has been a lot."

Fun Fact

The word 'struggle' was first used in English to describe a physical fight between two people. It wasn't until much later that it began to be used for mental or economic difficulties.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈstrʌɡ.lɪŋ/

US /ˈstrʌɡ.lɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: STRUG-gling.

Rhymes With

juggling smuggling snuggling bugling doubling bubbling troubling shuffling

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as 'strug-el-ing' with three distinct syllables.
Dropping the 'g' at the end: 'strugglin'.
Mispronouncing the 'u' as 'oo' like 'strooggling'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'straggling'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in news and literature, making it easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct preposition usage and spelling (double 'g').

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but it's important to use the right tone.

Listening 2/5

Easily understood in context due to its distinct sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

hard difficult try effort problem

Learn Next

grapple contend overcome adversity resilience

Advanced

exertion impediment vicissitude tribulation strenuous

Grammar to Know

Spelling of -ing verbs with a short vowel and a single consonant.

struggle -> struggling (double the 'g' is not needed because there is already an 'e' that is dropped, but the root 'struggle' already has two 'g's).

Use of the present continuous to describe a temporary state.

I am struggling with this book right now.

Intransitive verbs and the need for prepositions.

You cannot 'struggle a problem'; you must 'struggle with a problem'.

Participle phrases as adjectives.

The struggling student finally passed the exam.

Infinitive vs. Gerund after 'struggling'.

We use 'struggling to do' (infinitive) not 'struggling doing'.

Examples by Level

The boy is struggling with his heavy backpack.

Le garçon a du mal avec son sac à dos lourd.

Present continuous tense: 'is struggling'.

She is struggling to open the door.

Elle a du mal à ouvrir la porte.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The cat is struggling to get out of the box.

Le chat essaie de sortir de la boîte.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

He is struggling with the big umbrella in the wind.

Il a du mal avec le grand parapluie dans le vent.

Struggling + with + noun phrase.

The baby is struggling to walk.

Le bébé a du mal à marcher.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

I am struggling with this math problem.

J'ai du mal avec ce problème de maths.

Struggling + with + noun phrase.

They are struggling to carry the sofa.

Ils ont du mal à porter le canapé.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The bird is struggling to fly in the rain.

L'oiseau a du mal à voler sous la pluie.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

Many students are struggling with the new online classes.

Beaucoup d'étudiants ont du mal avec les nouveaux cours en ligne.

Struggling + with + noun phrase.

He is struggling to find a job in the city.

Il a du mal à trouver un travail en ville.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The team is struggling to win a single game this year.

L'équipe a du mal à gagner un seul match cette année.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

She is struggling with her health lately.

Elle a des problèmes de santé ces derniers temps.

Struggling + with + noun phrase.

We are struggling to pay the rent this month.

Nous avons du mal à payer le loyer ce mois-ci.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The plant is struggling because it doesn't get enough light.

La plante a du mal car elle ne reçoit pas assez de lumière.

Struggling + because clause.

He is struggling to learn how to drive.

Il a du mal à apprendre à conduire.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The small shop is struggling against the big supermarkets.

Le petit magasin lutte contre les grands supermarchés.

Struggling + against + noun phrase.

The struggling artist lived in a tiny apartment and painted every day.

L'artiste en difficulté vivait dans un minuscule appartement et peignait tous les jours.

Struggling used as an attributive adjective.

The country is struggling to recover from the economic crisis.

Le pays a du mal à se remettre de la crise économique.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

I am struggling to balance my work and my personal life.

J'ai du mal à équilibrer mon travail et ma vie personnelle.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The charity helps families who are struggling with debt.

L'association aide les familles qui ont des problèmes de dettes.

Relative clause with 'who are struggling'.

He was struggling with his conscience after he lied to his friend.

Il était aux prises avec sa conscience après avoir menti à son ami.

Struggling + with + abstract noun.

The local library is struggling to stay open due to budget cuts.

La bibliothèque locale a du mal à rester ouverte à cause des coupes budgétaires.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

She is struggling to make sense of the complicated instructions.

Elle a du mal à comprendre les instructions compliquées.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The team is struggling with injuries to several key players.

L'équipe est aux prises avec les blessures de plusieurs joueurs clés.

Struggling + with + noun phrase.

The government is struggling to reconcile the conflicting demands of the public.

Le gouvernement a du mal à concilier les demandes contradictoires du public.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

Many small businesses are struggling for survival in the current climate.

De nombreuses petites entreprises luttent pour leur survie dans le climat actuel.

Struggling + for + noun.

He spent years struggling against the injustices of the legal system.

Il a passé des années à lutter contre les injustices du système judiciaire.

Struggling + against + noun phrase.

The author is struggling with the final chapters of her new novel.

L'auteur a du mal avec les derniers chapitres de son nouveau roman.

Struggling + with + noun phrase.

The ecosystem is struggling to adapt to the rapidly changing temperatures.

L'écosystème a du mal à s'adapter aux changements rapides de température.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

She was struggling to maintain her composure during the difficult interview.

Elle avait du mal à garder son sang-froid pendant l'entretien difficile.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The company is struggling with a reputation for poor customer service.

L'entreprise est aux prises avec une réputation de mauvais service client.

Struggling + with + noun phrase.

The athlete is struggling to regain his form after a long layoff.

L'athlète a du mal à retrouver sa forme après une longue interruption.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The philosopher's work explores the human condition of struggling for meaning in an indifferent universe.

L'œuvre du philosophe explore la condition humaine de la lutte pour le sens dans un univers indifférent.

Gerund 'struggling' as part of a complex noun phrase.

The industry is struggling to pivot towards more sustainable manufacturing practices.

L'industrie a du mal à pivoter vers des pratiques de fabrication plus durables.

Struggling + to + infinitive (pivot).

He was struggling with the ethical implications of the new technology he had helped create.

Il était aux prises avec les implications éthiques de la nouvelle technologie qu'il avait aidé à créer.

Struggling + with + complex noun phrase.

The political party is struggling to maintain its relevance in a changing demographic landscape.

Le parti politique a du mal à maintenir sa pertinence dans un paysage démographique en mutation.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The city is struggling with the dual challenges of rising sea levels and urban decay.

La ville est aux prises avec le double défi de la montée du niveau de la mer et du déclin urbain.

Struggling + with + dual noun phrases.

She found herself struggling to articulate the profound sense of loss she felt.

Elle se retrouvait à avoir du mal à articuler le profond sentiment de perte qu'elle ressentait.

Found herself + struggling + to + infinitive.

The startup is struggling to secure the necessary funding for its next phase of growth.

La startup a du mal à obtenir le financement nécessaire pour sa prochaine phase de croissance.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The film depicts a family struggling to preserve their traditions in a modern world.

Le film dépeint une famille qui lutte pour préserver ses traditions dans un monde moderne.

Participial phrase 'struggling to preserve'.

The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of several characters, each struggling with their own internal demons.

Le récit tisse de manière complexe les vies de plusieurs personnages, chacun aux prises avec ses propres démons intérieurs.

Participial phrase modifying 'characters'.

The nation is struggling to emerge from the shadow of its colonial past.

La nation a du mal à sortir de l'ombre de son passé colonial.

Struggling + to + infinitive (emerge).

Scientists are struggling to reconcile the disparate findings of the two major studies.

Les scientifiques ont du mal à concilier les conclusions disparates des deux études majeures.

Struggling + to + infinitive (reconcile).

The poet captures the essence of the human spirit struggling against the inexorable march of time.

Le poète capture l'essence de l'esprit humain luttant contre la marche inexorable du temps.

Participial phrase modifying 'spirit'.

The institution is struggling to redefine its mission in an era of unprecedented technological change.

L'institution a du mal à redéfinir sa mission à une époque de changements technologiques sans précédent.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

He was struggling to suppress a smile as he watched his children's antics.

Il avait du mal à réprimer un sourire en regardant les pitreries de ses enfants.

Struggling + to + infinitive (suppress).

The legal team is struggling to find a precedent that supports their client's unusual case.

L'équipe juridique a du mal à trouver un précédent qui soutienne le cas inhabituel de leur client.

Struggling + to + infinitive.

The economy is struggling under the weight of massive public debt and high inflation.

L'économie souffre sous le poids d'une dette publique massive et d'une inflation élevée.

Struggling + under + noun phrase.

Common Collocations

struggling to breathe

struggling with debt

struggling for air

struggling artist

struggling economy

struggling to cope

struggling to survive

struggling against the tide

struggling with a decision

struggling to keep up

Common Phrases

really struggling

struggling to make ends meet

struggling for words

struggling to stay afloat

struggling to keep a straight face

struggling with the basics

struggling to find a way

struggling to get by

struggling to adapt

struggling to understand

Often Confused With

struggling vs straggling

To 'straggle' means to move slowly and fall behind a group, while to 'struggle' means to make a great effort.

struggling vs striving

Striving is usually positive and goal-oriented; struggling is usually about difficulty and resistance.

struggling vs shuffling

Shuffling is a way of walking without lifting your feet; struggling is a general state of difficulty.

Idioms & Expressions

"struggle for breath"

To have great difficulty breathing, often due to illness or physical exertion.

The runner was struggling for breath at the finish line.

neutral

"struggle against the odds"

To try to achieve something even though success is very unlikely.

The small team is struggling against the odds to win the championship.

neutral

"uphill struggle"

A task or goal that is very difficult to achieve and requires constant effort.

Learning a new language as an adult can be an uphill struggle.

informal

"the struggle is real"

A humorous or ironic way to acknowledge a minor difficulty or inconvenience.

I can't find my favorite coffee beans anywhere. The struggle is real.

slang

"struggle to the death"

A very intense and serious conflict that only ends when one side is defeated.

The two companies are in a struggle to the death for market dominance.

literary/dramatic

"struggle with one's demons"

To deal with difficult personal problems, often related to mental health or past trauma.

The actor has been open about struggling with his demons for many years.

neutral

"struggle for power"

A situation where different people or groups are competing to be in control.

There is a constant struggle for power within the political party.

neutral

"struggle for existence"

The competition between living things to survive in their environment.

Darwin's theory focuses on the struggle for existence in the natural world.

academic

"struggle through"

To manage to finish something difficult, even if it is not done perfectly.

We managed to struggle through the winter despite the heating problems.

informal

"struggle on"

To continue doing something even though it is very difficult and you are tired.

Even though she was exhausted, she decided to struggle on until the end of the day.

neutral

Easily Confused

struggling vs straggle

Similar spelling and sound.

Straggle is about position and speed (falling behind); struggle is about effort and difficulty.

The hikers started to straggle as they got tired, but they were all struggling to reach the top.

struggling vs strive

Both involve effort.

Strive implies a positive, ambitious effort toward a goal; struggle implies a difficult, often painful effort against an obstacle.

He is striving for a promotion, but he is struggling with the new responsibilities.

struggling vs grapple

Both mean to deal with something difficult.

Grapple is often used for intellectual or physical wrestling; struggle is more general and can be used for any kind of hardship.

The committee is grappling with the new regulations while the staff is struggling to implement them.

struggling vs wrestle

Both can be used metaphorically for difficulty.

Wrestle often implies a back-and-forth contest; struggle is a more general state of being in difficulty.

He is wrestling with his conscience, struggling to decide what is right.

struggling vs labor

Both involve hard work.

Labor focuses on the work itself; struggle focuses on the difficulty of the work.

They labored all day in the sun, struggling to finish the harvest before the rain.

Sentence Patterns

I am struggling with [noun].

I am struggling with my bags.

He is struggling to [verb].

He is struggling to run.

The [adjective] [noun] is struggling.

The small company is struggling.

They are struggling against [noun].

They are struggling against the wind.

Found [pronoun] struggling to [verb].

She found herself struggling to explain.

[Noun] struggling under the weight of [noun].

The economy is struggling under the weight of debt.

A struggling [noun].

A struggling actor.

Struggling for [noun].

Struggling for breath.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

He is struggling the homework. → He is struggling with the homework.
Struggling is an intransitive verb and needs a preposition like 'with' to connect to the object.
I am strugling to finish. → I am struggling to finish.
The word must be spelled with two 'g's.
She is struggling for her exam. → She is struggling with her exam.
Use 'with' for the thing causing the difficulty. 'Struggling for' means fighting to obtain something.
The straggling artist sold a painting. → The struggling artist sold a painting.
Don't confuse 'struggling' with 'straggling,' which means falling behind.
He is struggling to breathing. → He is struggling to breathe.
After 'struggling to,' use the base form of the verb (infinitive), not the -ing form.

Tips

Watch the Prepositions

Remember to use 'with' for things and 'to' for actions. This is the most common mistake learners make with this word.

Use Synonyms for Variety

If you use 'struggling' too many times in one paragraph, try 'grappling' or 'battling' to keep your writing interesting.

The Double G

Don't forget the two 'g's in the middle. It's a very common spelling error to only use one.

Tone Matters

When saying someone is struggling, use a kind and empathetic tone unless you are using the word in a technical or economic sense.

Show, Don't Just Tell

Instead of just saying someone is 'struggling,' describe their actions—the sweat on their brow, their heavy breathing, or their frustrated expression.

Context Clues

In news reports, 'struggling' is often used right before a noun to describe a group or an industry, like 'struggling farmers'.

Ask for Help

Saying 'I'm struggling with this' is a very natural and common way to ask for assistance in English-speaking cultures.

The Struggling Artist

Understand that this is a very common cultural trope. It's not just a description; it's a whole identity for some people.

Economic Use

In academic writing, 'struggling' can be used to describe systems or institutions that are failing to meet their objectives.

Ironic Use

Be aware that younger people might use 'struggling' to joke about very small problems, like a slow internet connection.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'STRUG' (like a rug) that is very heavy. You are 'struggling' to pull the 'strug' across the floor. The double 'g' in the middle looks like two hands pulling hard.

Visual Association

Imagine a person trying to climb a steep, muddy hill. Every time they take a step up, they slide a little bit back down. This visual of constant effort against resistance perfectly captures 'struggling.'

Word Web

difficulty effort resistance challenge persistence hardship striving conflict

Challenge

Try to use the word 'struggling' in three different ways today: once for a physical task, once for a mental task, and once to describe a situation you see in the news.

Word Origin

The word 'struggling' comes from the Middle English verb 'struglen,' which appeared in the late 14th century. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to be of Scandinavian origin, possibly related to the Old Norse word 'strugr,' meaning 'ill-will' or 'resentment.'

Original meaning: The original meaning was closer to 'to dispute' or 'to strive,' often with a sense of physical wrestling or fighting.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'struggling' to describe people with disabilities or chronic illnesses; some may find it patronizing and prefer terms that focus on their agency and strength.

In the UK and US, 'struggling' is often used as a polite way to say someone is poor or having mental health issues without being too direct.

The 'Struggle for Existence' in Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species'. The phrase 'The struggle is real' which became a popular internet meme. The 'Struggling Artist' trope in countless films and books like 'La Bohème'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

struggling with a subject
struggling to pass
struggling with literacy
struggling to pay attention

Finance

struggling to pay bills
struggling with debt
struggling economy
struggling to make ends meet

Health

struggling to breathe
struggling with an illness
struggling to recover
struggling with mental health

Sports

struggling to find form
struggling against a rival
struggling with an injury
struggling to keep up

Work

struggling with a workload
struggling to meet a deadline
struggling to learn a new skill
struggling with a difficult boss

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever been struggling with a new hobby but then finally got the hang of it?"

"What do you do when you find yourself struggling to stay motivated at work or school?"

"Do you think it's better to ask for help when you're struggling or to try to figure it out yourself?"

"Is there a particular subject or skill that you've always found yourself struggling with?"

"How can we best support friends or family members who are clearly struggling with something?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you were struggling to achieve a goal. What did you learn from that experience?

Write about a person you admire who succeeded despite struggling against great odds.

Reflect on a situation where you are currently struggling. What are the specific obstacles you face?

How does the word 'struggling' make you feel? Does it sound negative to you, or does it sound like a sign of strength?

Imagine you are a 'struggling artist' in a big city. Describe your typical day and your hopes for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While it usually describes a difficult situation, it isn't always negative. It can highlight someone's persistence and strength in the face of adversity. For example, saying someone is 'struggling for their rights' is often seen as a noble and positive action.

Use 'struggling with' followed by a noun (a person, thing, or idea) that is causing the problem. Use 'struggling to' followed by a verb to describe an action that is difficult to perform. For example: 'struggling with math' vs. 'struggling to solve the problem'.

Yes, 'struggling' can be a gerund, which is a verb acting as a noun. For example: 'His struggling was obvious to everyone.' However, the noun 'struggle' is much more common in this context.

Yes, it is acceptable in business contexts, especially when describing economic conditions or project challenges. However, for a more professional tone, you might use alternatives like 'experiencing difficulties' or 'encountering obstacles'.

The past tense is 'struggled.' You just add a 'd' to the end of the base verb 'struggle'.

It is a common phrase for an artist who is working hard at their craft but has not yet achieved financial success or fame. It implies they are living a simple, often difficult life to focus on their art.

Absolutely. You can use it to describe any living thing that is making an effort against difficulty, like a 'struggling fish' on a hook or a 'struggling plant' in poor soil.

Yes, it is still a common slang phrase, though it is often used ironically or humorously to describe very minor problems.

In a physical sense, 'wrestling,' 'flailing,' or 'laboring' can be good synonyms depending on the exact movement.

The opposite would be a 'thriving economy,' a 'booming economy,' or a 'prosperous economy'.