What does struggler mean?
A “struggler” is someone who faces and tries to overcome difficulty, hardship, or adversity. The word presents its referent sympathetically, emphasizing persistence and the continuing effort to succeed, cope, or achieve a better position. It can describe a person enduring difficult social or economic circumstances, a participant in a difficult contest, or someone involved in a broader political or collective struggle. The noun is especially associated with the language of class, inequality, survival, and social change. While “struggler” is often used to convey empathy and respect for someone’s determination, it may sound less formal than terms such as “person overcoming adversity” or “disadvantaged participant.” The word is also closely related to “struggle,” which can name either the person’s effort or the difficulty itself.
A person who struggles persistently against difficulty, hardship, or adversity.
"The scholarship was intended to help young artists and other overlooked struggles succeed."
Usually sympathetic and somewhat informal; often implies ongoing difficulty rather than a temporary setback.
A person involved in a difficult contest, effort, or collective struggle.
"Each member of the team was a tireless opponent and a skilled intellectual opponent in the ongoing debate."
Used for multiple people who face hardship or take part in a difficult effort.
"The organization provides legal aid and practical support to political prisoners and other sufferers of persecution."
A “struggler” is defined by the effort of pushing forward: the word makes hardship personal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does struggler come from?
The word “struggler” derives from the English verb “struggle,” which has Germanic roots associated with striving or exertion. The suffix “-er” forms a noun indicating a person who performs the action. Related forms such as “struggling” share the same lexical base, while cognates in other Germanic languages reflect a similar idea of striving or exerting oneself.
How struggler is actually used
The term is generally sympathetic but can sound somewhat informal or dated. It often implies prolonged difficulty rather than a single obstacle, and its use may be especially common in political, social, and historical contexts.
Easily confused with struggler
A “struggler” is a person who struggles, whereas “struggle” can refer to the activity, process, or difficulty itself.