Word
battled
Phoneticsbat·tled, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbætəɫd/
UK/bˈætəld/
Definition
v. to fight hard against a difficult person, situation, or illness. You use this when someone is trying very hard to overcome a big problem.
v. to struggle tenaciously against an opponent, obstacle, or adverse condition. Often used to describe prolonged efforts in medical, legal, or physical contexts.
Examples
“She battled a heavy cold all week.”
“The fire crews battled the blaze for twelve hours before finally bringing it under control.”
“Throughout the late nineteenth century, local residents battled the encroaching industrial expansion to preserve the valley's natural heritage.”
Examples
simple
“She battled a heavy cold all week.”
contextual
“The fire crews battled the blaze for twelve hours before finally bringing it under control.”
complex
“Throughout the late nineteenth century, local residents battled the encroaching industrial expansion to preserve the valley's natural heritage.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive when followed by 'against' or 'with', but can be transitive when describing a struggle against a specific condition or opponent.
Real-World Examples
“Britain's Heather Watson battled back from a set down against Claire Liu to keep alive her hopes of securing a first US Open main-draw appearance in five years.” “Political and religious leaders battled for influence through the education of Japanese immigrant children.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/battled