Word
challenged
Phoneticschal·lenged, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtʃæɫəndʒd/
UK/tʃˈælɪndʒd/
Definitions
01tested or questioned
B1 · Intermediate
v. the past tense of challenge; to have tested someone's skills or questioned if something was true.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'challenge', indicating that a person's abilities were tested or a statement's validity was questioned.
“The lawyer challenged the witness's story during the trial yesterday.”
“The researchers challenged the long-held assumption that the virus could only survive in tropical climates, presenting data from several arctic studies.”
Synonyms
02lacking a skill
B2 · Upper Intermediate Humorous · Informal
adj. used after a word to say someone is not good at something, often in a polite or funny way.
adj. used in combination with an adverb to describe a lack of ability or a disability; often functions as a euphemism or a humorous critique.
“I am vertically challenged, so I cannot reach the top shelf without a ladder.”
“The phrase 'mentally challenged' was originally introduced as a sensitive alternative to older terms, though its usage has evolved significantly in clinical settings.”
03difficult or demanding
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling tested or pushed to your limits by a difficult situation.
adj. describes a state of being tested by difficult circumstances or demanding tasks.
“The team felt challenged by the new project but they worked hard to finish it.”
“The staff felt increasingly challenged by the rapid succession of policy changes, leading to a noticeable decline in office morale.”
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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