Struggle  —v. (-ling) 1 violently try to get free of restraint. 2 (often foll. By for, or to + infin.) Try hard under difficulties (struggled for power; struggled to win). 3 (foll. By with, against) contend; fight. 4 (foll. By along, up, etc.) Progress with difficulty. 5 (esp. As struggling adj.) Have difficulty in gaining recognition or a living (struggling artist). —n. 1 act or spell of struggling. 2 hard or confused contest. [origin uncertain]