# strife

/ˈstɹaɪf/ (US) · /stɹˈaɪf/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strife
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. conflict or disagreement

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

angry or violent disagreement between two people or groups.

For teachers: bitter, sometimes violent conflict or dissension between opposing parties.

- The country has suffered through years of civil strife and economic problems.
- The region has been plagued by ethnic strife for decades, hindering any meaningful attempts at diplomatic reconciliation.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in political contexts, though countable uses occur when referring to specific instances of conflict.

### 2. trouble or difficulty

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Informal

general trouble, problems, or hard work.

For teachers: earnest endeavor or exertion; colloquially, any form of trouble or hardship.

- He wanted a quiet life away from the strife of the city.
- After years of professional strife and constant deadlines, she decided to retire to a small coastal village.

Usage: In modern English, this sense is less common than the 'conflict' sense and often carries a more personal, weary tone.

## Examples

- The country suffered through years of civil strife.
- The new management policies caused a great deal of internal strife among the long-term employees.
- Historians often point to economic inequality as the primary catalyst for the social strife that eventually led to the collapse of the ruling dynasty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.