embattled

American  

[em-bat-ld] / ɛmˈbæt ld /

adjective

1. disposed or prepared for battle.

2. engaged in or beset by conflict or struggle.

---

embattled British  

/ ɪmˈbætəld /

adjective

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

2. heraldry having an indented edge resembling battlements

---

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

Under the agreement being discussed, the U.S. government would loan the embattled discount carrier as much as $500 million, receiving in return warrants to take a potential significant stake in Spirit, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Roki Sasaki has become the Dodgers’ most embattled starter and one who has made the season’s first big move seem inevitable.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Hui Ka Yan, the founder of embattled Chinese property developer Evergrande, has pleaded guilty to a number of charges including embezzlement of corporate assets and corporate bribery, according to a statement issued by the court.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

But, over time, the middle ground that people like Sprat and Bentley had sought to occupy between superstition and rationalism became increasingly embattled, and the pendulum began to swing the other way.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton