Contend against Meaning in English
expression
kənˈtɛnd/ /əˈɡeɪnst/, /əˈɡɛnst
kuhn-TEND uh-GAYNST, uh-GENST
kəntˈɛnd/ /ɐɡˈɛnst
kuhnt-END uh-GENST
Definition
To try hard to defeat, overcome, or deal with someone or something, often in a difficult or competitive situation.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and literary; mostly used in written English or speeches. Commonly paired with abstract challenges ('contend against difficulties', 'contend against rivals'). Not used for physical fighting—use 'fight' or 'battle' for literal conflict.
Spanish: luchar contra - enfrentarse aPortuguese (BR): lutar contra - enfrentarPortuguese (PT): lutar contra - enfrentarChinese (Simplified): 与...对抗 - 与...竞争Chinese (Traditional): 與...對抗 - 與...競爭Hindi: के खिलाफ संघर्ष करनाArabic: يُصارع ضد - يُكافح ضدBengali: এর বিরুদ্ধে প্রতিযোগিতা করা - এর বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করাRussian: бороться против - противостоятьJapanese: 〜に対抗する - 〜と争うVietnamese: đấu tranh chống lại - đối đầu vớiKorean: ~에 맞서 싸우다 - ~와 경쟁하다Turkish: -e karşı mücadele etmek - karşı koymakUrdu: کے خلاف مقابلہ کرناIndonesian: bersaing melawan - melawan
Example Sentences
The team had to contend against strong opponents.
basic
We must contend against many challenges.
basic
He contended against his illness for years.
basic
Small businesses often have to contend against larger companies in the market.
natural
Environmental groups contend against pollution despite the odds.
natural
She felt she had to contend against unfair treatment at work.
natural