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

The judge also said the force had "agreed to consider whether to withdraw the challenged decision in the light of representations" from the OWF and HFAF.

From BBC

Through an artistic probing of form, perhaps reflective of his ancestors’ Talmudic dialectic, he questioned traditional pieties and challenged an existing order.

From The Wall Street Journal

Opponents have also challenged whether the issues cited by the White House, especially the trade deficit, represent emergencies.

From BBC

This isn’t the first time the Iranian regime has been challenged by mass protests.

From The Wall Street Journal

Discounts are rare and are reserved for the most challenged cases.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• debated