embattled

American  

[em-bat-ld] / ɛmˈbæt ld /

adjective

1. disposed or prepared for battle.

2. engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.

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embattled British  

/ ɪmˈbætəld /

adjective

1. prepared for or engaged in conflict, controversy, or battle

2. heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements

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Other Word Forms

• unembattled adjective

Etymology

Origin of embattled

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; see embattle ¹, -ed ²; embattled def. 2 probably by association with the general sense “restrict, enclose” of many verbs formed with em- ¹, en- ¹

Example Sentences

Trump's administration has been working on a potential $500 million package for the embattled airline, US media have reported in recent days.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

The Mets’ players, meanwhile, have been left trying to defend their embattled manager.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The Lakers embattled basketball boss smartly acquired renowned shooter Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in early February for Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick and … are you kidding me?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

The stock has dropped 19% this year as of Thursday’s close of trading, in part because thousands of its loans are included in an embattled private credit fund known as LENDX.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Through the smoke we saw other launches put in from other brigs and sloops slipping toward the embattled docks.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson