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

Both believe the business is challenged and the brand mismanaged, with sales in North America declining.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Reform has challenged all the main parties to publish the full costs of their promises to voters ahead of next week's Senedd election.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

In 1993, Becerra entered Congress on a rising wave of Latino political power and the heels of a fractious presidential election in which former White House aide Pat Buchanan challenged President George H.W.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

Even the ultimate goal of integration itself was now challenged.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• debated