challenged

American  

[chal-injd] / ˈtʃæl ɪndʒd /

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.

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challenged British  

/ ˈtʃælɪndʒd /

adjective

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

   physically challenged performers

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Sensitive Note

See disabled.

Other Word Forms

• unchallenged adjective

Etymology

Origin of challenged

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

Example Sentences

With the company’s international operations remaining more challenged, Starboard believes Lamb Weston should consider selling off its Asia Pacific business, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since Ferguson took over, the FTC has challenged three deals in court, including two healthcare mergers, winning one trial and losing the other.

From The Wall Street Journal

Hamilton, who stopped three laps later than Leclerc after demanding the team leave him out for a while, challenged his team-mate in the closing stages.

From BBC

“Even though they might be young, they still always need to be challenged,” said her mother, Mia Cooper.

From Los Angeles Times

Afraid I would get lost in the storm, I challenged every decision.

From Literature

Related Words

• debated