hard-fought
Won with struggle
Hard-fought describes something won or achieved only after intense struggle or effort.
A hard-fought victory came at great cost.
A hard-fought battle required everything both sides had.
The term applies beyond literal combat to elections, negotiations, and any contest where neither side yielded easily: a hard-fought campaign, hard-fought gains for workers' rights.
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- persistenceContinuing despite difficulty
fortitude · stamina · endurance · dogged · relentless · unwavering · steadfast · persevering
Resounding, celebrated victory
- winAchieve victory
- conquestDefeating and seizing control
- comebackRecovery after decline
- upsetDisturb, topple, or shock
breakthrough · success · prevail · overcome · achievement · glory · championship · crown
Armed military engagement
- contestOrganized competitive event
- conflictOpposition between parties
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
- confrontationDirect hostile encounter
campaign · competition · skirmish · tussle · engagement · rivalry · resistance · opposition
determination
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
persistence · fortitude · stamina · endurance · dogged · relentless · unwavering · steadfast · persevering · unyielding
triumph
Resounding, celebrated victory
upset · breakthrough · success · prevail · overcome · achievement · glory · championship · crown · dominance
battle
Armed military engagement
- contestOrganized competitive event
- conflictOpposition between parties
- clashViolent disagreement or collision
confrontation · campaign · competition · skirmish · tussle · engagement · rivalry · resistance · opposition · warfare