English Reference
verb · adjective

challenged

v. · adj.
US /ˈtʃæɫəndʒd/ UK /tʃˈælɪndʒd/ chal·lenged

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    The lawyer challenged the witness's story during the trial yesterday.

    In context

    The researchers challenged the long-held assumption that the virus could only survive in tropical climates, presenting data from several arctic studies.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate HumorousInformal

    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.

    Simple

    I am vertically challenged, so I cannot reach the top shelf without a ladder.

    In context

    The phrase 'mentally challenged' was originally introduced as a sensitive alternative to older terms, though its usage has evolved significantly in clinical settings.

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

    The team felt challenged by the new project but they worked hard to finish it.

    In context

    The staff felt increasingly challenged by the rapid succession of policy changes, leading to a noticeable decline in office morale.

Usage challenged in any court

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated