Strive: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when putting in a lot of effort to achieve something important or difficult. Often has a positive connotation, emphasizing determination and positive effort.

• She strives to be the best in her class
• They strive for equality in their community

Used to indicate a try at doing something, often without necessarily succeeding. It conveys a neutral connotation, neither positive nor negative.

• He made an attempt to climb the mountain
• Her first attempt at baking the cake was a failure

Used for serious or long-term efforts, often in professional, academic, or creative contexts. It has a formal and positive tone.

• His new scientific endeavor has potential to change the world
• They are embarking on a new endeavor to improve public health

Used to describe a situation that is very difficult and requires a lot of effort, often implying hardship or a lack of success. It has a negative or challenging connotation.

• She struggles with balancing work and family life
• The community is struggling to recover after the natural disaster

Used when confronting an obstacle or opposition, typically in a more aggressive or physical manner. It often has a contentious connotation.

• She had to fight for her rights
• The two companies are fighting for market dominance

Used when making a great effort to achieve or obtain something, often implying a long-term goal or ambition.

• She strives to be the best in her class.
• They constantly strive for excellence in their work.

Used in more formal contexts, often to describe a serious and sincere effort to achieve something.

• He is endeavoring to complete the project on time.
• Her scientific endeavors have resulted in groundbreaking discoveries.

Used when facing significant difficulty or hardship while trying to achieve something, often carries a slightly negative connotation.

• She struggled to keep her business afloat during the crisis.
• He struggled to understand the complex theories.

A general term used to describe putting in a lot of effort and diligence into a task or job.

• She works hard to support her family.
• They worked hard on their homework all night.

Used to describe the act of challenging oneself to go beyond their usual limits, often in terms of personal development or physical activity.

• You have to push yourself to improve your fitness.
• He always pushes himself to excel in his career.

Use it when speaking about making a strong, determined effort towards a challenging goal. It carries a positive connotation of perseverance and hard work.

• She strives to be the best student in her class
• Scientists strive to discover new treatments for diseases

Effort refers to the amount of energy or work put into an activity or task, often without implying success or failure. It highlights the action rather than the result.

• Your effort to help the community is appreciated
• It took a lot of effort to complete the project on time

This word is suitable for situations where someone is trying to do something, regardless of the outcome. It is often used to describe an initial or possibly unsuccessful effort.

• He attempted to climb the mountain but didn't reach the summit
• They are attempting to create a new software to solve the problem

This word is used in more formal contexts to describe a serious attempt or important activity over a period. It often implies dedication and purpose.

• Their scientific endeavor will change the future of medical research
• The company is engaged in a new business endeavor

Struggle is used when describing a difficult or prolonged effort against challenges or obstacles. It often has a negative connotation, indicating hardship or difficulty.

• She struggled to cope with the loss of her pet
• The company is struggling to stay afloat during the economic downturn