English Reference
adjective · verb

rigged

adj. · v.
US /ˈɹɪɡd/ UK /ɹˈɪɡd/ rigged

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.arranged in a dishonest way so that a specific person wins or a certain result happens.

    adj.prearranged or manipulated through fraudulent means to ensure a predetermined outcome.

    Simple

    Many people believed the election was rigged because the numbers didn't make sense.

    In context

    The investigation revealed that the bidding process had been rigged to favour a company owned by the mayor's brother-in-law.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.having all the necessary ropes, sails, or equipment attached and ready to use.

    adj.fully equipped with rigging, such as masts, sails, and ropes on a vessel, or cables on a structure.

    Simple

    The ship was fully rigged and ready to leave the harbour at dawn.

    In context

    The square-rigged vessel struggled to maintain its course against the sudden crosswinds in the narrow channel.

    unrigged
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to set up or assemble equipment, often in a temporary or clever way.

    v.to assemble or set up equipment, typically involving ropes, cables, or temporary structures. Transitive — takes a direct object.

    Simple

    They rigged a temporary shower using a bucket and some plastic tubing.

    In context

    The stagehands rigged the lighting trusses overnight to ensure the theatre was ready for the morning rehearsal.

Mundubile, claimed that the counting of the votes had been rigged.

UN News· 2 Sept 2026

From rig + -ed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated