ENGLISH
REFERENCE

battling

v. · n.
US //ˈbætəɫɪŋ// UK //bˈætlɪŋ// bat·tling
  1. 1 fighting an opponent (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    fighting against an enemy or a competitor in a war or a game.

    engaging in physical or competitive combat with an adversary.

    Example

    The two teams were battling for the championship title in the final minutes.

    Example

    The infantry spent the entire afternoon battling for control of the ridge, facing heavy resistance from entrenched positions.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'for' to indicate the goal or 'against' to indicate the opponent.

  2. 2 struggling with a problem (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    trying very hard to deal with a difficult situation, like an illness or a bad habit.

    striving to overcome a persistent difficulty, internal conflict, or medical condition.

    Example

    She has been battling a cold all week but still went to work.

    Example

    The local government is currently battling a significant budget deficit while trying to maintain essential public services.

    Usage

    Can be used transitively with the problem as a direct object, or with 'against' or 'with'.

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  1. 3 the act of fighting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the activity of fighting or struggling.

    the process or instance of engaging in combat or a difficult struggle.

    Example

    After years of battling, the two companies finally agreed to a merger.

    Example

    The constant battling between the political factions has led to a complete stalemate in the legislature.

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