struggles

NOUN

hard try; fight to win

Synonyms

STRONGEST

attempt battle clash combat conflict contest effort encounter endeavor skirmish strife trial work

STRONG

brush essay exertion free-for-all grind hassle jam jump labor pains roughhouse row scramble set-to striving toil tussle undertaking wrangle

WEAK

long haul

Antonyms

STRONGEST

accord agreement calm idleness laziness peace retreat success surrender truce

STRONG

entertainment fun

WEAK

giving in

VERB

labor, work

Synonyms

STRONGEST

cope seek strive tackle toil try

STRONG

assay attempt dig endeavor grind hassle hustle offer plug scratch slave strain sweat undertake

WEAK

bend over backwards break one's back break one's neck exert oneself give it one's best shot give the old college try go all out have one's nose to grindstone make every effort plug away take a crack take a stab take on try one's hardest work like a dog

Antonyms

STRONGEST

forget idle neglect

STRONG

be lazy ignore laze procrastinate withhold

WEAK

rest surrender yield

VERB

fight, wrestle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compete contend grapple

STRONG

battle brawl buck contest hassle romp rough-house row scrap scuffle shuffle slug smack tangle

WEAK

bump heads cross swords go up against lock horns put up a fight

Antonyms

STRONG

agree concur make peace

WEAK

idle laze rest surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Critic David L. Ulin wrote Mildred’s struggles and sacrifices feel more anchored in the boom-bust L.A. between the wars.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

The same goes for medical details, relationship struggles and high-stakes professional data, says Daniel Miessler, a Bay Area cybersecurity and AI engineer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026

Analysts expect new CEO John Brase to cut Conagra’s dividend to stabilize the business and free up cash, given the company’s struggles.

From Barron's • Jun. 28, 2026

That followed his retirement from the lead in Canada, struggles for pace in Miami, and circumstances going against him in a couple of races early in the season.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2026

Usually it takes us all evening, because Mom struggles with some of the work, too.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy