challenged
Americanadjective
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Often Offensive. a euphemism for disabled (usually preceded by an adverb).
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deficient or lacking (usually preceded by an adverb or noun and used facetiously).
ethically challenged; math-challenged.
adjective
Sensitive Note
See disabled.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of challenged
An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; challenge ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Challenged about whether some of his work has involved other-than-appropriate subject matter for comedy, Mr. Brooks grows serious.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
Fifty years and many primetime teen soaps later, “Forever” holds the No. 7 slot on the American Library Association’s list of Top 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books: 1990-1999.
From Salon • May 21, 2025
Challenged on why a numerical cap would work under her leadership when past attempts have not, she said past leaders "thought stating a number was enough" and "hoped things would work out".
From BBC • Nov. 27, 2024
Challenged permits would be automatically upheld if those deadlines aren’t met.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024
Maybe he’s lonely, she said, and I just looked at her wondering if she expected me to open a Home for the Socially Challenged or what.
From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
