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 Word Forms

• unchallenged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of challenged¹

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

Example Sentences

A ban on players representing their country and playing for R360 is one clear detail, but, could that be challenged?

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Planning permission for the embassy has previously been challenged amid fears that it could be used to spy on and interrogate dissidents.

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Networks acknowledge the late night block is challenged, but Kimmel said such shows still matter.

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Five aviation medical groups together subsequently challenged the paper’s findings and methodology and accused the researchers of bias.

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“If access to mifepristone is challenged, we will take action to protect it,” they said.

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Related Words

• debated www.thesaurus.com