English Reference
adjective

disputed

adj.
US /dɪˈspjutəd/ UK /dɪspjˈuːtɪd/ dis·put·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes a fact, idea, or claim that people do not agree on.

    describes a statement, finding, or claim whose accuracy or validity is being challenged or debated.

    Simple

    The cause of the accident is still disputed by the two drivers.

    In context

    The historian presented new evidence that challenged the long-disputed claims regarding the origin of the manuscript.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes an area of land that two or more countries claim as their own.

    referring to a geographical area or border subject to conflicting claims of sovereignty by different political entities.

    Simple

    The two countries have been fighting over the disputed border for decades.

    In context

    Diplomatic efforts to resolve the status of the disputed islands have stalled due to rising nationalist sentiment in both nations.

His defence team has pointed to missing police reports, disputed evidence and "biased, sloppy and incomplete" detective work.

BBC News· 18 Aug 2026

The Japanese government has reacted angrily to Vladimir Putin’s first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, which are claimed by both Tokyo and Moscow.

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated