challenged
Americanadjective
-
Often Offensive. a euphemism for disabled (usually preceded by an adverb).
-
deficient or lacking (usually preceded by an adverb or noun and used facetiously).
ethically challenged; math-challenged.
adjective
Sensitivity
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.
Gordon Brothers said the business has faced years of instability and "remains challenged and vulnerable".
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2026
You read, shared, challenged, subscribed, wrote to us and kept coming back.
From Salon ● Nov. 5, 2026
Spirits group Diageo DGE 3.17%increase; green up pointing triangle said it is moving in the right direction in the challenged American market, where some of its biggest labels continue to sell poorly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
They still rank 28th in rebounding, despite three consecutive double-doubles from Kessler, who responded after Redick challenged the center to be a larger rebounding presence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026
Iola challenged Adam, putting her hands on her hips.
From "A Monster of a Mystery (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #5)" by Franklin W. Dixon
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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.
