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REFERENCE

challenged

v. · adj.
US //ˈtʃæɫəndʒd// UK //tʃˈælɪndʒd// chal·lenged
  1. 1 tested or questioned (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the past tense of challenge; to have tested someone's skills or questioned if something was true.

    the past tense and past participle of 'challenge', indicating that a person's abilities were tested or a statement's validity was questioned.

    Example

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

    Example

    The researchers challenged the long-held assumption that the virus could only survive in tropical climates, presenting data from several arctic studies.
  2. 2 lacking a skill (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Humorous Informal

    used after a word to say someone is not good at something, often in a polite or funny way.

    used in combination with an adverb to describe a lack of ability or a disability; often functions as a euphemism or a humorous critique.

    Example

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

    Example

    The phrase 'mentally challenged' was originally introduced as a sensitive alternative to older terms, though its usage has evolved significantly in clinical settings.
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  1. 3 difficult or demanding (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    feeling tested or pushed to your limits by a difficult situation.

    describes a state of being tested by difficult circumstances or demanding tasks.

    Example

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

    Example

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