English Reference
adjective

plagued

adj.
US /ˈpɫeɪɡd/ UK /plˈeɪɡd/ plagued

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    suffering from constant problems, worries, or bad luck over a long time.

    relentlessly afflicted or beset by persistent problems, misfortunes, or negative conditions.

    Simple

    The project was plagued by delays and technical problems from the very start.

    In context

    The region has been plagued by economic instability for decades, hindering any significant progress in infrastructure development.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'by' to indicate the source of the trouble.

    Teacher's tip

    While the root refers to disease, in modern English this is most commonly used metaphorically for recurring logistical or social problems.

    blesseduntroubled

Budget cuts have plagued the planning process, with Grospiron admitting in February they had "little time, little money".

BBC News· 10 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated