# struggle

**Pronunciation:** /ˈstrʌɡ.əl/ · STRUG-uhl

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning

To make a great effort to overcome a difficulty or to achieve something.

## Examples

- She had to struggle to open the jar.
- He struggled with his studies and almost failed the exam.
- The company is struggling to survive in the current economic climate.

## Synonyms

- strive — To make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, often with a sense of ambition.
- contend — To struggle to surmount a difficulty or danger, often in a competitive context.
- wrestle — To struggle to overcome a problem or difficulty, often implying a physical or mental battle.
- labor — To work hard and with great effort, often implying physical exertion or difficulty.

## Antonyms

- succeed — To achieve the desired aim or result.
- flourish — To grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as a result of being in a particularly favorable environment.
- thrive — To grow or develop well or vigorously; to prosper.

## Common patterns

- struggle to do — To make a great effort to achieve something. — She struggled to understand the complex instructions.
- struggle with — To have difficulty dealing with a problem or situation. — Many students struggle with mathematics.
- struggle against — To try hard to resist or overcome something. — The team struggled against a much stronger opponent.
- a struggle for — A difficult fight or effort to achieve something. — It was a desperate struggle for survival.

## Collocations

- struggle to do something — Many people struggle to make ends meet.
- struggle with something — He has been struggling with depression for years.
- struggle against something — They struggled against overwhelming odds.

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