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Definition struggle in British English

struggle verb

[intransitive] verb
/ˈstrʌɡ(ə)l/
1

to try hard to do something that you find very difficult

Example

He struggled a bit at first, but he reads well now.

Example

She was struggling to cope with the demands of her work.

Example

They've had to struggle with the painful process of modernization.

Example

Andy was coughing and struggling for breath.

Synonyms and related words
2

to use your strength to fight against someone or something

Example

She picked the child up, but he struggled and kicked.

Example

They struggled for possession of the gun.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

to try very hard to move something or to move yourself somewhere

Example

The sheep struggled to free itself.

Example

Foster was struggling with the door in the wind.

Synonyms and related words
2.2

to manage with a lot of difficulty to move yourself somewhere

Example

She struggled into her tight jacket.

Example

He struggled free and ran to his car to call for help.

Synonyms and related words
3

to try very hard to defeat someone or to stop them having power over you

Example

We have to struggle to win our freedom.

Example

Different factions in the movement are struggling for supremacy.

Example

women struggling against oppression

Synonyms and related words
Definition struggle in British English