Word
plagued
US/ˈpɫeɪɡd/
UK/plˈeɪɡd/
Definition
adj. suffering from constant problems, worries, or bad luck over a long time.
adj. relentlessly afflicted or beset by persistent problems, misfortunes, or negative conditions.
Examples
“He has been plagued by back pain for years.”
“The city's public transport system has been plagued by delays and technical failures all winter.”
“Despite his professional success, the artist remained plagued by a profound sense of inadequacy that frequently stalled his creative output.”
Examples
simple
“He has been plagued by back pain for years.”
contextual
“The city's public transport system has been plagued by delays and technical failures all winter.”
complex
“Despite his professional success, the artist remained plagued by a profound sense of inadequacy that frequently stalled his creative output.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'by' to indicate the source of the trouble.
Teaching tip
While the root refers to disease, in modern English this is most commonly used metaphorically for recurring logistical or social problems.
Real-World Examples
“Budget cuts have plagued the planning process, with Grospiron admitting in February they had "little time, little money".” “They write that it’s likely to have plagued competitive athletes since the ancient Olympics.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/plagued