winning
noun
Winning — succeeding against real difficulty, the prize earned through struggle
Definition
Succeeding with great difficulty; "winning is not everything"
In depth
Winning, in this sense, names succeeding with great difficulty, the achievement of victory specifically against meaningful resistance, competition, or obstacle. The word implies contest, the presence of an opponent or challenge against which success must be actively earned rather than simply granted.
Origin
The word descends from Old English winnan, to labor, strive, or fight, part of an ancient Germanic word family concerned with struggle and effort. That original sense of laborious striving, rather than mere fortunate outcome, remains embedded in the word's modern meaning, distinguishing true winning from success that comes without genuine contest or effort.
Usage examples
"Winning is not everything, the coach reminded the disappointed team, though the words rang hollow in the locker room that particular evening."
"Their hard-fought winning of the contract came only after months of intense competitive bidding."
"She approached every negotiation with a quiet determination toward winning, never once raising her voice to achieve it."
How to use it
Winning specifically implies competition or contest, distinguishing it from broader 'success,' which can describe achievement without any opposing party. The word works equally well across sports, business, and figurative description of any hard-fought achievement.
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