Synonyms for

Struggling

Verb / ˈstrʌgʌlɪŋ / / ˈstrʌglɪŋ / Another word for struggling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Having difficulty or making a great effort to do something.

Synonyms & similar words

struggle skin clamber scramble sputter contend shinny shin fight Suffering Endeavoring Battling Coping Fighting Grappling Striving Surviving Wrestling Failing Laboring Overcoming Strenuous Tackling Trying Unsuccessful Working Hustling Pushing Scuffling

Synonyms by register

Formal

laboring toiling striving endeavoring

Informal

having a hard time finding it tough up against it in a bind

Literary

wrestling grappling laboring

Antonyms

succeeding thriving flourishing prospering advancing winning succeed

Common collocations

  • struggling to survive
  • struggling to cope
  • struggling to breathe
  • struggling to make ends meet
  • struggling with debt
  • struggling to understand
  • struggling to find
  • struggling to get

Word family

noun struggle
verb struggle
adjective struggling

Usage note

Often used to describe difficulty in achieving a goal or maintaining a state. Can imply a lack of resources or ability.

Example sentences

  1. 1. She was struggling to lift the heavy box all by herself.
  2. 2. The athlete was seen struggling to catch his breath after finishing the race.
  3. 3. The company is struggling to stay afloat amidst the economic crisis.
  4. 4. The student was struggling to understand the concept in math class.
  5. 5. The city is struggling to provide basic services to its residents.

Quotes

  • 1. "The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow." - Unknown
  • 2. "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • 3. "When you feel like quitting, think about why you started." - Unknown

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words