“Struggling” is the present participle of the verb “struggle,” which generally means to make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction, to strive to achieve or attain something in the face of difficulty, or to have a hard time doing something. Here are some synonyms and an analysis of each:
1. Striving
- Analysis: “Striving” means to make great efforts to achieve something. For example, “He was striving for success in his career.” It emphasizes the positive and determined pursuit of a goal. In comparison to “struggling,” “striving” has a more aspirational connotation. While “struggling” often implies a difficult and perhaps more arduous battle against obstacles, “striving” focuses on the active and purposeful pursuit of an objective without as much emphasis on the hardships.
2. Endeavoring
- Analysis: “Endeavoring” means to try hard to do something. For example, “She was endeavoring to solve the complex math problem.” It is a more formal way of expressing the act of making an effort. Similar to “striving,” it emphasizes the intention and the attempt to achieve a task. In contrast to “struggling,” “endeavoring” doesn't carry the same sense of being weighed down by difficulties. It's more about the act of making a serious and focused effort.
3. Battling
- Analysis: “Battling” means to engage in a fight or a struggle, often with an opponent or a difficult situation. For example, “The soldiers were battling the enemy.” It has a more combative and confrontational tone. In comparison to “struggling,” “battling” implies a more active and often external conflict. While “struggling” can refer to an internal struggle or a struggle against more abstract difficulties like poverty or addiction, “battling” is more likely to bring to mind a direct, physical, or more clearly defined opposition.
4. Contending
- Analysis: “Contending” means to strive or struggle in order to overcome a difficulty or an opponent. For example, “The athlete was contending with a serious injury during the competition.” It emphasizes the aspect of competition or the need to overcome an obstacle. In comparison to “struggling,” “contending” is more about the act of vying against something or someone and implies a sense of rivalry or a fight for a position or an achievement.
5. Grappling
- Analysis: “Grappling” means to engage in a close fight or struggle, either physically or metaphorically. For example, “He was grappling with the moral dilemma.” It implies a hands - on and often more intense struggle, as if one is wrestling with a problem. In comparison to “struggling,” “grappling” gives a more vivid image of a close - quarters battle, whether it's with a tangible opponent or an intangible issue.
6. Facing difficulties
- Analysis: “Facing difficulties” is a phrase that means to be in a situation where there are challenges or hardships. For example, “The small business was facing difficulties due to lack of funding.” It is a more general way of expressing the idea of struggling. In contrast to the verb “struggling,” “facing difficulties” is a more static description of the situation. “Struggling” implies a more active and ongoing effort to deal with those difficulties.