struggling existence

[ˈstrʌɡəlɪŋ ɪɡˈzɪstəns]
noun phrasepl: struggling existences
existência difícil
1. a way of life characterized by constant difficulty, hardship, and effort to survive or achieve basic needs
After losing his job, he faced a struggling existence trying to pay rent and feed his family.
Depois de perder o emprego, ele enfrentou uma existência difícil tentando pagar o aluguel e alimentar sua família.
2. a precarious or unstable condition of living with limited resources and persistent challenges
The refugees endured a struggling existence in the temporary camps.
Os refugiados suportaram uma existência difícil nos acampamentos temporários.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe socioeconomic challenges. In Brazil, it often reflects discussions about inequality and social mobility, while in the USA it frequently appears in narratives about bootstrapping and personal resilience. The concept resonates strongly in both cultures' literary and social discourse.
NYC Slang
grinding it out, hustle life, barely making it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
difficult lifehard lifeprecarious existencemeager livingsubsistence livinghand-to-mouth existence
Antonyms / Antônimos
comfortable existenceprosperous lifeaffluent livingsecure lifeprivileged existence

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
existência difícil
Most common and widely understood term across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
vida de luta
More colloquial; emphasizes the constant fight for survival
São Paulo
existência precária
More formal usage, emphasizes precariousness and instability
Portugal
existência penosa
Portuguese variant; slightly more literary and formal tone

Related Words

hardshipadversitystrugglepovertydeprivationsurvivalsubsistence

Related Idioms & Phrases

making ends meet
living hand-to-mouth
getting by
struggling to keep one's head above water
a battle for survival
lutar pela sobrevivência
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