struggling
Translation
having difficulty, making a great effort, failing
Examples
She is a struggling single mother.
She is a struggling single mother.
The company is struggling to survive.
The company is struggling to survive.
Grammar Patterns
((a)) struggling ((noun)) used before a noun to describe someone or something having difficulties. She is a struggling artist.
((sb./sth.)) is struggling ((to-inf)) used to say someone is finding it hard to do something. The team is struggling to score goals.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hard-pressed, embattled, beleaguered; Antonyms: successful, thriving, flourishing.
Etymology
From the verb 'to struggle', of uncertain origin, possibly related to Dutch 'struikelen' (to stumble).
Memory Tips
Imagine trying to pull a heavy 'rug' - you have to 'struggle'. The '-ing' ending shows it's an ongoing action or state.