as in failing
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1
as in stumbling
to proceed or act clumsily or ineffectually
each week I would struggle through my piano lesson, keenly aware that I wasn't getting any better
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in striving
to devote serious and sustained effort
the financially strapped couple struggled to make ends meet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of struggling
semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The University of Houston poll shows Abbott's preferred candidates struggling with Republican primary voters.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
Silver knows that strong words and six-figure fines might not be nearly enough to compel struggling teams to commit to real competition instead of improving their odds in what’s expected to be one of the deepest drafts in recent history — and that’s why the NBA is looking at stronger solutions.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
After struggling to get off to fast starts in losses to Houston and Cincinnati, Kugel’s 30-footer to open play seemed like the right step for the Knights.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
Yet many of them are struggling to stay in business.
—Joe Dymek, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026
Bear, struggling with drug addiction, had no one urging her to fight the state’s case.
—Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Democrats are filming campaign spots outside struggling hospitals, spotlighting Americans facing spiking insurance premiums and sharing their own personal health care stories.
—Ali Swenson, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Restaurants and cafés have been struggling acutely ever since the COVID pandemic, which compounded ongoing issues around rent and insurance and labor costs.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
Know More Apple’s leadership once thought Apple News could be an antidote to bad information online, and serve as a lifeline for a struggling news industry displaced by powerful tech platforms.
—semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The University of Houston poll shows Abbott's preferred candidates struggling with Republican primary voters.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
Silver knows that strong words and six-figure fines might not be nearly enough to compel struggling teams to commit to real competition instead of improving their odds in what’s expected to be one of the deepest drafts in recent history — and that’s why the NBA is looking at stronger solutions.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026
After struggling to get off to fast starts in losses to Houston and Cincinnati, Kugel’s 30-footer to open play seemed like the right step for the Knights.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
Yet many of them are struggling to stay in business.
—Joe Dymek, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2026
Bear, struggling with drug addiction, had no one urging her to fight the state’s case.
—Raynee Howell, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Feb. 2026
Democrats are filming campaign spots outside struggling hospitals, spotlighting Americans facing spiking insurance premiums and sharing their own personal health care stories.
—Ali Swenson, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Restaurants and cafés have been struggling acutely ever since the COVID pandemic, which compounded ongoing issues around rent and insurance and labor costs.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for struggling
Verb
-
He’s saved by a drunken Ser Arlan, who comes stumbling into the alley and instinctively follows his knightly code to defend the innocent.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The victim was then seen stumbling backwards and sustained a visible mark on her neck, according to the sheriff's office.—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There are filmmakers in Hollywood now, working under the same conditions — bloody conflict abroad, corruption in politics, monolithic mainstream entertainment — and striving for a similar freedom.—
Paul Fischer,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Learning a new skill is key to staying relevant in what Jake confirmed is the rapidly evolving K-pop universe, one that is quick to react to trends and changes as the industry cranks out a steady stream of new acts, each striving to carve a unique lane to break through to global audiences.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Garden centers aren't giving a refund for a dying or dead plant but rather a discount on a new purchase.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Beyond the looming labor strife, the regional sports network (RSN) model has been floundering for many teams.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2026
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When Robert Duvall was floundering around in college, his father, a career Navy man who retired with the rank of rear admiral, told him to shape up — and start acting.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The son of a medical-gas plumber who worked night shifts, Darnold just kept laboring at his craft.—
Sally Jenkins,
The Atlantic,
9 Feb. 2026
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In the summer of 2024, UNICEF’s representative in Congo suggested that 361,000 children might be laboring in mines in southern Congo, though this number seems implausibly high and drew quick opprobrium from Congolese NGOs that work on the issue.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
While pruning, remove any winter damage, along with dead and declining growths, to allow new shoots to reform the plant.—
Tom MacCubbin,
orlandosentinel.com,
6 Mar. 2021
-
In order to reopen, counties must demonstrate declining prevalence of COVID-19, testing ability of 30 tests per 10,000 residents per week, contact tracing and isolation facilities.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
15 May 2020
Verb
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The expansive grounds cover 19 acres bordering the river, including a recreated 19th-century New England coastal village, a working shipyard, and the only wooden whaleship ship still afloat in the United States.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 Feb. 2026
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This research addresses one of the most complex problems in current robotics, the coordination of two arms working together.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The skyway corridors with highest density sit directly atop the most languishing streetscapes, Spencer said, and vice versa.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Struggling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/struggling. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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