Eked

Eked is a term that refers to the act of obtaining or achieving something with great difficulty or in small, incremental amounts. It often implies a struggle against adverse circumstances or a lack of resources, necessitating a slow and painstaking process. The word suggests that progress is hard-won and that each gain is precious due to the effort involved.

For example, one might "eke out a living" by working multiple low-paying jobs to barely cover essential expenses. Similarly, a team might "eke out a victory" in a closely contested game, meaning they won by a very narrow margin after a challenging match. The concept of eking out something highlights perseverance and the ability to make do with limited means. It can also be used in contexts where something is only just barely sufficient, such as "there was just enough food to eke out the meal." The term emphasizes the minimal nature of the achievement or resource.