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Meaning & use

battling

verb, adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈbætlɪŋ/
US/ˈbætlɪŋ/

“battling” is a form of “battle”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbintransitive

    Present participle of battle: fighting hard against someone or something, or struggling with a difficult situation.

    Grammar: Used after be or as part of a continuous verb to show an ongoing struggle; it can also begin a phrase describing someone: a battling team.

    Patterns

    • battling against something
    • battling with something
    • battling for something
    • be battling to do something

    She is battling against a serious illness and stays positive.

    The small company is battling to survive in a tough market.

    Fans watched the battling teams play into extra time.

  2. adjectivebefore a noun

    Describing someone or something that is struggling hard or fighting through difficulties.

    Grammar: Comes before a noun to describe a person, group, or team facing a hard fight or struggle.

    Patterns

    • a battling performance
    • a battling team

    It was a battling performance from the young players.

    The battling community raised money to rebuild the school.

Common combinations

battling against
He has been battling against the odds all season.
battling with
She is battling with her doubts about the new job.
battling for
The two sides are battling for control of the region.
battling to survive
Many small shops are battling to survive.
a battling performance
The goalkeeper gave a battling performance despite the injury.

Synonyms and how they differ

fighting
Fighting is more physical or literal; battling often suggests a longer, more determined struggle.
struggling
Struggling emphasizes difficulty and effort; battling suggests an active fight against an opponent or problem.
contending
Contending is more formal and often used for competitions; battling is broader and more emotional.

Opposites

surrenderingyielding

Word family

battle noun
A fight between armed forces, or a hard struggle.
battle verb
To fight or struggle hard against something.
battler noun
A person who fights on despite difficulties.

Commonly confused: battling or battering?

battling vs battering

Battering means hitting repeatedly or damaging something; battling means fighting or struggling against someone or something.

Practice

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