English Reference
verb · adjective

tackled

v. · adj.
US /ˈtækəɫd/ UK /tˈækəld/ tack·led

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.tried to solve a difficult problem or finish a hard task.

    v.addressed or made a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem, task, or situation.

    Simple

    The government finally tackled the issue of rising house prices last year.

    In context

    The administration tackled the systemic corruption within the department by implementing rigorous oversight and transparent reporting protocols.

    Usage

    Transitive verb; always requires a direct object representing the problem or task.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Sport

    v.physically stopped an opponent in a game like football or rugby.

    v.physically intercepted or brought down an opposing player to gain possession or stop progress.

    Simple

    The defender tackled the striker just before he could shoot at the goal.

    In context

    The linebacker tackled the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a significant loss of yardage for the offense.

    Usage

    Commonly used in both American football and association football (soccer), though the physical nature of the action differs.

    interceptedbrought down
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.describes a problem that someone has already started to fix.

    adj.referring to a challenge or obstacle that has been actively addressed or confronted.

    Simple

    With the most urgent repairs tackled, we can now focus on the garden.

    In context

    The report highlighted several tackled issues, though it noted that long-term structural changes remained elusive.

    Usage

    Often functions as a participial adjective in formal reporting.

    unaddressed

Earlier on Saturday, Heathrow's southern runway was closed while crews tackled a grass fire on the airfield.

BBC News· 5 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated