Definition

Describing someone who has a disability or is facing difficulties in some way.

Example

The school provides special resources for students who are challenged in their learning.

Conversation

I met someone at the event who is really challenged in his communication skills.

Oh, that must be tough for him in social situations.

Yeah, but he had a great sense of humor about it.

That's awesome! It's always inspiring to see people handle challenges with positivity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Challenged → It is formed from 'challenge' (from Old French *chalenge*, meaning to accuse or call to account) and '-d' (a suffix indicating past tense). The word 'challenged' means to have been called to account or to have faced a call to prove oneself.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'called to account' — that's what 'challenged' means, as it comes from the Old French word for challenge.

Visually Confused Words