challenged

[ chal-injd ]

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.

challenged

/ ˈtʃælɪndʒd /

adjective

1. in combination disabled or disadvantaged in some way

   physically challenged performers

Sensitive Note

See disabled.

Other Words From

• un·chal·lenged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of challenged¹

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

Example Sentences

CAD’s chief in 2019, Jackie Roberts, told legislators at the time that her section was “very challenged” and noted that her budget hadn’t changed in recent memory.

From ProPublica

The current state of policies around micromobility is a very challenged environment.

From TechCrunch

But in 1969, a longstanding practice was challenged—its ban on women.

From The Daily Beast

He challenged the very core of the Iranian theocracy and demanded respect for basic human rights.

From The Daily Beast

Within hours, thousands of Iranians challenged the foreign minister on social media asking how that could possibly be.

From The Daily Beast

Good, caring teachers recognized his talent and challenged him to work hard to compete at the highest levels.

From The Daily Beast

So the sorts of policy changes Obama announced Thursday night would, if challenged in court, be upheld as legal.

From The Daily Beast

It would make a sensation, he thought; there was more than one generally accepted theory he had challenged or contradicted in it.

From Project Gutenberg

It was quite expected that his progress would be challenged, hence the warlike preparations.

From Project Gutenberg

In the midst of a torrent of invectives from every quarter, the military were challenged to fire.

From Project Gutenberg

Voting must be performed carefully because a defaced, improperly marked ballot may be challenged and thrown out.

From Project Gutenberg

Getting close to the kopje, he saw a number of the enemy slinking off, and at once challenged them.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• debated