verb

strive

/straɪv/ · say it: STRYV

to make great efforts to achieve

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to try very hard to achieve something; to make a great effort

2. (verb) to struggle against something; to fight or compete

Examples

1. She strives to be the best student in her class.
2. The team strove against their opponents throughout the match.

How to use strive

Strive is a somewhat formal or literary verb meaning to make a determined, sustained effort toward a goal or to fight against something. It carries a sense of vigor and commitment beyond casual trying, often used in contexts involving personal growth, competition, or principled struggle. It is more elevated in tone than 'try' and suggests more earnestness than 'attempt.'

Common phrases

strive for success
strive to achieve
strive against odds
strive for excellence
strive together

Synonyms

endeavor · struggle · attempt · push · work hard

Opposites

give up · surrender

Word family

striving (noun/adjective) · strove (past tense) · striven (past participle)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse strive with thrive; strive means to try hard or struggle, while thrive means to flourish or succeed.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD