Battling: meaning, definitions and examples

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battling

 

[ ˈbætəlɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

in a fight

Struggling to overcome or defeat someone or something in a physical or metaphorical fight.

Synonyms

facing, fighting, struggling.

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Word Description / Examples
battling

Used when describing a prolonged and intense conflict or effort against an opponent or challenge.

  • She has been battling cancer for years.
  • They are battling for the top position in the league.
facing

Appropriate when confronting a problem or challenging situation directly, typically referring to situations that require courage.

  • He is facing a difficult decision about his career.
  • We are facing a major crisis in the company.
fighting

Often used in the context of physical combat or aggressive confrontation, but can also be metaphorical for a strong effort against a problem.

  • The two countries are fighting a war.
  • She is fighting to save her marriage.
struggling

Describes ongoing difficulty in dealing with a situation or achieving something, usually with an implication of hardship or obstacles.

  • He is struggling to pay his bills.
  • She has been struggling with depression.

Examples of usage

  • John is battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy.
  • The team is battling against strong opponents in the championship.
Context #2 | Verb

striving to achieve something

Making a strong effort to achieve or accomplish something despite difficulties or obstacles.

Synonyms

endeavoring, striving, working hard.

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Word Description / Examples
battling

Used when describing a struggle or fight against something, often implying a conflict that involves effort and challenges. Commonly used in emotional or physical conflicts.

  • She was battling cancer with remarkable strength.
  • They are battling against poverty in their community.
striving

Used when someone is making a strong effort to achieve a goal, emphasizing the commitment and determination involved. Often related to personal or professional ambitions.

  • She is striving for excellence in her studies.
  • They are striving to improve their living conditions.
endeavoring

Appropriate in situations where someone is making a serious effort or attempt to achieve something. Often used in more formal or academic contexts.

  • He is endeavoring to learn a new language.
  • The scientists are endeavoring to find a cure for the disease.
working hard

Describes consistent and diligent effort, typically in a job or task-related context. It's informal and commonly used in everyday conversations.

  • He is working hard to meet the project deadline.
  • She has been working hard to get a promotion at work.

Examples of usage

  • She is battling to finish her thesis before the deadline.
  • We are battling to improve our sales performance this quarter.
Context #3 | Noun

conflict

A fight or conflict between opposing forces or individuals.

Synonyms

conflict, fighting, struggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
battling

Used to describe a fight or struggle, often physical but can also be mental or emotional. Suitable for use in more intense or severe situations.

  • The soldiers were battling for control of the hill
  • She has been battling depression for years
conflict

Represents a disagreement or clash between ideas, people, or countries. Used in formal and informal situations to describe non-physical confrontations.

  • The conflict between the two countries lasted for decades
  • Their relationship was affected by constant conflicts over small issues
struggle

Refers to a difficult effort or a prolonged effort to deal with something. Often used to describe personal challenges or hardships.

  • She had to struggle to make ends meet every month
  • The young athlete struggled to keep up with the seasoned competitors
fighting

Implies physical combat or intense argument. Can be used to describe minor skirmishes or serious confrontations.

  • The kids were fighting over the last piece of cake
  • The rebels are fighting against the government's troops

Examples of usage

  • The battling between the two rival gangs led to several casualties.
  • There is ongoing battling between the rebels and the government forces.

Translations

Translations of the word "battling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lutando

🇮🇳 लड़ाई

🇩🇪 kämpfend

🇮🇩 berjuang

🇺🇦 боротьба

🇵🇱 walcząc

🇯🇵 戦う

🇫🇷 luttant

🇪🇸 luchando

🇹🇷 savaşmak

🇰🇷 싸우는 중

🇸🇦 يقوم بالقتال

🇨🇿 bojující

🇸🇰 bojujúci

🇨🇳 战斗

🇸🇮 bojevanje

🇮🇸 berjast

🇰🇿 соғыс

🇬🇪 ბრძოლა

🇦🇿 döyüşmək

🇲🇽 luchando

Etymology

The word 'battling' originated from the Middle English word 'batailen', which came from the Old French word 'bataillier', meaning 'to fortify, to fight'. The term has evolved over time to represent the act of fighting or struggling against an opponent or difficulty. The concept of battling has been prevalent throughout human history, reflecting the ongoing struggles and conflicts faced by individuals and societies in various contexts.

See also: battlefield, battlement, battleship, embattlement.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,058, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.