Word
struggling
Phoneticsstrug·gling
US/ˈstɹəɡəɫɪŋ/
UK/stɹˈʌɡlɪŋ/
Definitions
01trying hard against difficulty
B1 · Intermediate
v. trying very hard to do something that is difficult or requires a lot of effort.
v. making a strenuous effort to achieve something despite significant obstacles or resistance.
“The student was struggling to understand the complex math problem.”
“The small business is currently struggling to remain profitable in a market dominated by international corporations.”
Usage
Often followed by 'to' and an infinitive, or 'with' and a noun phrase.
Pitfall
He is struggling for finish the work.
He is struggling to finish the work.
When 'struggling' is followed by another action, use the 'to' infinitive, not 'for'.
Antonyms
02fighting or resisting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. moving your body violently to get free from someone or something.
v. engaging in a physical conflict or using force to escape from a physical restraint.
“The cat was struggling to get out of the carrier.”
“The suspect was seen struggling with the officers before eventually being restrained and placed in the vehicle.”
Antonyms
03the act of trying hard
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of making a great effort or fighting for something.
n. the action of engaging in a struggle, whether physical, social, or mental.
“After years of struggling, the artist finally sold her first painting.”
“The document details the long history of struggling for civil rights in the region during the twentieth century.”
Antonyms
04having difficulties
B1 · Intermediate
adj. having a hard time being successful or having enough money.
adj. experiencing significant difficulty, especially in a financial or professional context.
“The government is trying to help struggling families pay their heating bills.”
“The charity provides mentorship programmes for struggling actors who are finding it difficult to secure consistent work in the industry.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/struggling