Definition

Experiencing a lot of problems or difficulties, often feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Example

The beleaguered team struggled to meet their deadlines due to constant setbacks.

Conversation

Have you seen how beleaguered Mark looks lately?

Yeah, he seems overwhelmed with work and life.

I feel bad for him; it's tough when everything piles up.

Definitely, maybe we should help him out a bit.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Beleaguered → It is formed from "be-" (meaning about or around) and "leaguer" (from Middle Dutch *leger*, meaning camp or siege). The word describes being surrounded or besieged, as if encamped around by troubles or difficulties.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'surrounded' ('be-') by a 'camp' ('leaguer') of problems — that's why beleaguered means being beset by difficulties.

Visually Confused Words