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struggling
/ˈstrʌɡəlɪŋ/
having difficulty
Many small businesses are struggling due to the economic downturn.
Many small businesses are facing serious financial difficulties because of the economic downturn.
neutral
having difficulty achieving or maintaining something, often due to effort or adversity
She's been struggling with her math homework all evening.
She has been finding her math homework very difficult to complete.
The team is struggling to meet its sales targets this quarter.
The team is having significant trouble reaching its sales goals this quarter.
Used for ongoing difficulties, not temporary or minor inconveniences.
literary/formal
engaging in a fight or conflict
The soldiers were struggling against the enemy forces.
The soldiers were fighting fiercely against the opposing army.
Rare in modern usage; more common in historical or literary contexts.
Collocations
struggling tohaving difficulty doing somethingstruggling withhaving difficulty with somethinga struggling artist/writeran artist or writer who is not yet successful
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'struggling'
While 'struggling' is useful, it can sound overly dramatic if used for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for significant challenges.
Gold Rule
Use 'struggling' for active effort
'Struggling' implies active effort to overcome a difficulty, not just passive suffering. For example, 'She's struggling to learn French' suggests she is actively trying, not just finding it hard.
Word Origin
From the verb 'struggle', which comes from Middle English 'struglen' (to struggle), of uncertain origin, possibly from Old English 'strudol' (struggling) or related to Middle Low German 'strudeln' (to whirl about).
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to describe ongoing difficulties. Often implies a prolonged or persistent challenge rather than a single setback.
Word Breakdown
struggle
main verb root
root-ing
present participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary