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 Words From

• un·chal·lenged adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of challenged¹

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

Example Sentences

At the restart, Norris challenged Verstappen, who defended his position robustly, but their tussle was academic, because of the penalty.

From BBC

Outraged by the increase, the 65-year-old leafletted all houses on the estate and challenged the bill, eventually negotiating the lower fee for all 120 households.

From BBC

He answered in the plural, about the way the executives had communicated with the babies’ families, and was challenged on it.

From BBC

When challenged on whether he should have done more to protect the women he says he asks himself whether he could have.

From BBC

The new regulations, which have been challenged by some business groups, would force companies to make subscription sign-ups and cancellations equally straightforward.

From BBC

Related Words

• debated