challenged

[chal-injd]

adjective

1. Often Offensive.,  a euphemism for disabled (usually preceded by an adverb).

2. deficient or lacking (usually preceded by an adverb or noun and used facetiously).

   ethically challenged; math-challenged.

challenged

/ ˈtʃælɪndʒd /

adjective

1. (in combination) disabled or disadvantaged in some way

   physically challenged performers

Sensitive Note

See disabled.

Other Word Forms

• unchallenged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of challenged¹

An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; challenge ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

In 1994, the exhibition script challenged the actions and judgment of the United States.

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Lincoln challenged his audience at the Springfield Lyceum.

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“Our lower-to-middle-income customers remain the most challenged,” Kohl’s Chief Executive Michael Bender said.

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Licensed professional counselor Kaley Chiles challenged the restrictions, arguing that Colorado was violating the Constitution’s guarantee of free speech by stopping her from counseling young people who wanted guidance informed by Christian convictions.

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Universities that sign on must take steps to ensure their campuses are “a vibrant marketplace of ideas where different views can be explored, debated, and challenged.”

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Related Words

• debated www.thesaurus.com