embattled
Americanadjective
-
disposed or prepared for battle.
-
engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.
adjective
-
prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle
-
heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements
Other Word Forms
- unembattled adjective
Etymology
Origin of embattled
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; see embattle 1, -ed 2; embattled def. 2 probably by association with the general sense “restrict, enclose” of many verbs formed with em- 1, en- 1
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.
Under the agreement being discussed, the U.S. government would loan the embattled discount carrier as much as $500 million, receiving in return warrants to take a potential significant stake in Spirit, the people said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
The Mets’ players, meanwhile, have been left trying to defend their embattled manager.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026
Hui Ka Yan, the founder of embattled Chinese property developer Evergrande, has pleaded guilty to a number of charges including embezzlement of corporate assets and corporate bribery, according to a statement issued by the court.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
The embattled “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star announced on Easter Sunday that she’s parting ways with the religion she built her brand on.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026
Any place that’s war- torn, by the way, is bound to be embattled or besieged. what makes him tick.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.