struggle - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
struggle Word Meanings
- to try hard to do something
- to experience difficulty
- to fight against something
struggle Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
struggle Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈstrʌɡl/
US
/ˈstrʌɡəl/
struggle Word Etymology
struggle = strug- (from Old English 'struggan' meaning struggle) + -gle (a suffix indicating action). Originated from Old English to Proto-Germanic and further back to Proto-Indo-European origins. Imagine a person wrestling with heavy weights, showcasing the effort and turmoil involved in a struggle.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I plant my feet, take a breath, and push against the stubborn door that won’t budge. I struggle to move it, then pull back, adjust my grip, and try again. The effort tightens my shoulders, my breath shortens, and I shift my weight to turn the body a little more. With each small hold I keep going, and the struggle becomes a signal to tune my effort rather than rush it.
Real Context
Struggle as a verb describes putting in strong effort when faced with difficulty, whether the task is physical, mental, or emotional. You can struggle to do something (struggling to finish, to learn, to decide) or struggle with something or someone (struggling with a problem, a difficult person). It emphasizes ongoing effort and resistance more than mere difficulty. Learners often confuse it with strive (more formal, purposeful effort) or fight (physical confrontation). Pay attention to prepositions: struggle to do something highlights the challenge of achieving a result, while struggle with something stresses the source of the difficulty. The noun 'a struggle' is common in everyday speech.
Usage Reminders
- Remember the two main patterns: struggle to do something and struggle with something/someone.
- Struggle to + verb highlights difficulty achieving an outcome.
- Struggle with + noun/issue highlights the source of difficulty.
- Use 'a struggle' as a noun in everyday talk.
- Don’t insert struggle where you mean 'strive' or 'fight'.
Common Misconceptions
- It always means physical fighting.
- It only means having a bad time.
- It is interchangeable with 'strive' in all contexts.
- You must always use 'struggle with' a person.
- Noun form is rarely used in everyday English.
Thinking Differences
Struggle in English often signals sustained effort against difficulty, with flexible usage across verbs and prepositions. Learners tend to over-literalize it as physical fighting or to mix up struggle with strive or fight. Prepositions matter: 'struggle to' vs 'struggle with'.
Learning Tips
- Practice with common collocations: struggle to do something, struggle with a problem.
- Compare with strive (formal effort) and fight (physical or adversarial).
- Note the noun form: a struggle, not just struggles.
- Listen for natural prepositions in conversations and media.
- Read sentences aloud to feel the rhythm of the phrase.
- Create short personal examples using both patterns.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'struggle' correctly?
A.He struggled the delicious meal.
B.She struggled to sleep through the noise.
C.They struggled in happiness at the news.
D.I struggle to fly in my dreams.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'struggle'?
A.Effort
B.Rest
C.Calm
D.Sing
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'struggle'?
A.Danger
B.Ease
C.Cold
D.Fast
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'struggle'?
A.Enjoying a sunny day at the beach
B.Attempting to solve a complex math problem
C.Learning a new language without any difficulties
D.Laughing with friends at a funny joke
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