# beset

/bɪˈsɛt/ (US) · /bɪsˈɛt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beset
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to cause someone or something to have a lot of problems or difficulties. It often describes a situation where trouble seems to come from every side.

For teachers: to trouble or harass persistently; to surround or hem in with problems. Often used in the passive voice to describe a subject overwhelmed by challenges.

## Examples

- The project is beset by many technical problems.
- The small island nation was beset by economic instability and rising sea levels throughout the decade.
- Even the most promising startups can find themselves beset by unforeseen regulatory hurdles and aggressive competition from established industry giants.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The team was beset from many problems." but "The team was beset by many problems." — Beset is typically followed by the prepositions 'by' or 'with', not 'from'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the passive form 'to be beset by' or 'to be beset with'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.