riddled

American  

[rid-ld] / ˈrɪd ld /

adjective

1. filled with, and often thoroughly weakened by, something undesirable (used in combination).

   For decades taxpayers subsidized this fault-riddled nuclear plant, with its defective reactors and substandard construction.

2. pierced in many places (usually used in combination).

   His bullet-riddled body was found two days later.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of riddle.

Etymology

Origin of riddled

riddle ² ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

If an object is riddled with something, that means it's covered by that thing: for example, a tree trunk might be riddled with tiny holes made by the beaks of woodpeckers. The adjective riddled most often describes something damaged by or spread full of holes, like a rusty old mailbox riddled with bullet holes or a block of Swiss cheese riddled with holes. You can also use it figuratively: "It's so sad, her dog is riddled with cancer," or "The plot of your novel is riddled with holes — it just doesn't hold up." Riddled comes from the Old English hriddel, "sieve."

Example Sentences

He believes the panel's report was "flawed" and riddled with "errors in law".

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

We’re all riddled with this feeling of the life we feel we deserve ...

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Until recently, the remains of the buildings on the base were riddled with asbestos and fuel barrels leaked jet fuel into the surrounding waterways.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

But this theory is entirely false, based on hastily assembled “academic” work that’s riddled with errors and lies.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

The raft was lopsided and riddled with holes, but, somewhat to their surprise, it floated.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

• addled
• ruined
• withered