challenged
Americanadjective
-
Often Offensive. a euphemism for disabled (usually preceded by an adverb).
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deficient or lacking (usually preceded by an adverb or noun and used facetiously).
ethically challenged; math-challenged.
adjective
Sensitive Note
See disabled.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of challenged
An Americanism dating back to 1980–85; challenge ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Duggan, who was brought up in south-west London, said the scheme "challenged conventional suburban housing layouts centred on roads, private gardens and clearly defined front and back spaces".
From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2026
Another man who lost his job collecting map data to AI challenged his employer in arbitration and won compensation.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026
The court heard that, when O'Brien was arrested, he "argued with officers" and "challenged" them.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
"Defendants shall not enter into, renew, or expand any agreement authorizing the development, creation, dissemination, placement, or airing of the challenged advertisements," Rochon said in the court order.
From Barron's ● Oct. 12, 2026
Her rival had challenged her to a duel in order to show the Marvellian world who, in fact, was the best ringmaster of them all.
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
