struggling

Struggling refers to the experience of facing difficult circumstances or tasks and the ongoing effort to cope, adapt, or overcome them. It is characterized by obstacles that impede progress, episodes of setback, and a need for sustained effort, rather than a single failure. The term describes a process as opposed to a final result and can occur across many areas of life, from daily routines to long-term goals.

In education, students may be described as struggling when they have difficulty meeting standards, understanding material, or managing time and resources. In work and learning settings, people may struggle with workload, skill gaps, or changing expectations. Individuals can also struggle with financial insecurity, chronic illness, mental health conditions, or social disadvantage.

Responses to struggle vary. Some people show persistence and problem solving, seek help, and adapt strategies; others may experience burnout or withdrawal if support is unavailable. Protective factors include social support, access to resources, and effective coping strategies. Interventions such as tutoring, counseling, financial assistance, or workload adjustments can reduce strain and promote progress.

From research and policy perspectives, struggling is used to identify at-risk groups and to measure need and impact of services. It is important to describe struggle neutrally to avoid stigma and to tailor supports to individual circumstances. Related concepts include resilience, perseverance, hardship, and adversity.