beleaguered
Americanadjective
-
surrounded by military forces; besieged.
The beleaguered city of Limerick, having stood to the last, finally capitulated to the forces of William of Orange.
-
beset, surrounded, or overburdened by troubles.
Restoring our beleaguered oceans to health will require an emphasis on diversification and conservation, and more sensible fishing practices.
verb
Etymology
Origin of beleaguered
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.
Nike NKE -1.88%decrease; down pointing triangle appointed David Denton as its next chief financial officer, bringing in the Pfizer PFE -1.44%decrease; down pointing triangle executive to oversee finances for the beleaguered sneakers and apparel company.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026
They say much has improved since Green Dot took over the beleaguered campus in 2008, an unprecedented move for the nation’s second-largest school system: It was the first time that L.A.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
Europe's beleaguered top economy, especially its energy-hungry manufacturers, have been hit hard by the energy shock unleashed by the war, denting hopes of a strong rebound this year.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
Alternatives made from used cooking oil, cover crops and even captured carbon dioxide would have eased pressures on the beleaguered industry—if only there had been enough to go round.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
The beleaguered Queen Alysanne was trapped between two Lannister warships, the three made fast by hooks and lines.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
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.
