STRIVE definition : to try very hard to do or achieve something: . Learn more. To strive is to endeavor, reach, or strain for something above or beyond. We strive for self-improvement, a better world, or success in general. Strive means to exert much effort or energy, or to struggle or fight forcefully. See the origin, synonyms, translations and verb forms of strive in different dictionaries and sources. Strive definition : To exert much effort or energy; endeavor.