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

But as with Microsoft, the positives were challenged by the spending and pressure on cash flow.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

He was transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, then to a detention center in Florence, Ariz., while he challenged his confinement in federal court.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

This viewpoint, too, was carefully challenged by the King, who said he himself had served with "immense pride" in the Royal Navy, following in "the naval footsteps" of his father, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

White voters then challenged the new map as a violation of the Equal Protection Clause.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“Did Mom and Dad see him?” she challenged.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

• debated