Word
grappling
Phoneticsgrap·pling
US/ˈɡɹæpəɫɪŋ/
UK/ɡɹˈæplɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of struggling with a difficult problem or a physical opponent. You use it when someone is trying hard to understand or control something tricky.
n. the act of engaging in a close struggle or struggle for mastery, whether physical or metaphorical. Often describes the intellectual process of trying to resolve a complex issue.
Examples
“The team is grappling with a serious budget problem.”
“After hours of grappling with the new software, she finally managed to export the data correctly.”
“The philosopher spent his entire career grappling with the paradox of free will, never arriving at a conclusion that satisfied his critics or himself.”
Examples
simple
“The team is grappling with a serious budget problem.”
contextual
“After hours of grappling with the new software, she finally managed to export the data correctly.”
complex
“The philosopher spent his entire career grappling with the paradox of free will, never arriving at a conclusion that satisfied his critics or himself.”
Usage
Often paired with the preposition 'with' to indicate the object of the struggle.
Real-World Examples
“In 2020, as the nation was grappling with a pandemic, the tale became a regular part of Trump’s campaign speeches .” “Farmers across the UK are grappling with one of the driest, hottest growing seasons in decades.” “If spending — or not spending — money makes you feel shame or regret, you might be grappling with financial guilt.” “I knew grappling with this issue would be an uphill battle.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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