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

The prosecution challenged Mr Sharif about how others in the small three-bedroom home were unaware of violence to Sara.

From BBC

Pennycook was also challenged over the financial pressures facing councils.

From BBC

Challenged on the expansion of the Senedd, the first minister said the legislature is "much smaller than other parliaments".

From BBC

Using legislation to achieve these ends will make such plans much harder to overturn in the courts - something Donald Trump was plagued by in his first term when he extensively used executive orders that were regularly and often successfully challenged.

From BBC

I challenged myself in creating my own version and preparing a dish that blends various techniques I’ve learned through the years.

From Salon

Related Words

• debated