Struggling to shift a wart? (2,3)

I believe the answer is:

at war

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'struggling' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'shift a wart?' is the wordplay.
'shift' is an anagram indicator.
'a'+'wart'='awart'
'awart' with letters rearranged gives 'AT WAR'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for at war that I've seen is " In conflict".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.