riddled

[ rid-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.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of riddle ².

Word History and Origins

Origin of riddled¹

riddle ²( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

The exercise has been riddled with problems – from pilot shortages that have led to massive flight cancellations, to Vistara crew going on mass sick leave over plans to align their salary structures with Air India.

From BBC

Pictures from the scene in Place de Coimbra, an area of the city known for drug-related crimes, showed the restaurant's facade riddled with bullet holes.

From BBC

At a press conference on Monday, the agency showed a photo of the patrol car, which was riddled with bullet holes.

From Los Angeles Times

When it comes to loaf cakes riddled with cracks, should frustrated bakers cover them with icing?

From Salon

Advocates for Roberson, including the Innocence Project, claim his prosecution was riddled with “unscientific evidence, inaccurate and misleading medical testimony, and prejudicial treatment.”

From Salon

Related Words

• addled
• ruined
• withered