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adj Common

challenged

CHAL-ihnjd

Challenged (adj) means lacking a particular physical or mental ability; used, sometimes with an adverb, as a euphemistic or (in some cases) joking way to describe a limitation. Example: “The building has ramps for physically challenged visitors.”

adj
1
Lacking a particular physical or mental ability; used, sometimes with an adverb, as a euphemistic or (in some cases) joking way to describe a limitation.
"The building has ramps for physically challenged visitors."
"He joked about being "directionally challenged" after getting lost again."

How to Use Challenged

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes someone with a stated limitation, often used as a polite euphemism, or humorously to poke fun at a minor shortcoming.

When to use it

The humorous use ("fashion-challenged," "technologically challenged") is informal and sometimes seen as flippant when applied to genuine disabilities.

Common pairings
physically challenged mentally challenged

Word Forms

more challenged comparative, most challenged superlative

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The building has ramps for physically _____ visitors.

Rhymes for challenged

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “challenged” mean?

The word “challenged” means lacking a particular physical or mental ability; used, sometimes with an adverb, as a euphemistic or (in some cases) joking way to describe a limitation. In plain terms, describes someone with a stated limitation, often used as a polite euphemism, or humorously to poke fun at a minor shortcoming.

How do you pronounce “challenged”?

“Challenged” is pronounced CHAL-ihnjd (/ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪnd͡ʒd/ in IPA).

How do you use “challenged” in a sentence?

Here is “challenged” used in a sentence: “The building has ramps for physically challenged visitors.”

What part of speech is “challenged”?

“Challenged” is an adjective.

Is “challenged” a common word?

“Challenged” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial