Syn: disputed, questioned.
[WordNet 1.5]
2. handicapped or disabled; -- used as a euphemism, especially in combinations; as, physically challenged; mentally challenged. [PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
challenged — established itself in the 1980s and 1990s as a combining element forming politically correct alternatives to potentially sensitive or offensive descriptions of people, as in cerebrally challenged (= stupid), intellectually challenged (= backward) … Modern English usage
challenged — ☆ challenged [chal′ənjd] adj. disabled or handicapped in a (specified) way [physically challenged] … English World dictionary
challenged — differing from the norm in a taboo fashion Not faced with a duel, but of those thought to be facing life at a disadvantage. The use extends to the bald, who are follicularly challenged; to the deaf, who are aurally challenged; to the blind … How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms
challenged — [[t]tʃæ̱lɪnʤd[/t]] ADJ: adv ADJ If you say that someone is challenged in a particular way, you mean that they have a disability in that area. Challenged is often combined with inappropriate words for humorous effect. ...terms like vertically… … English dictionary
Challenged — Challenge Chal lenge, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Challenged}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Challenging}.] [OE. chalengen to accuse, claim, OF. chalengier, chalongier, to claim, accuse, dispute, fr. L. calumniar to attack with false accusations. See {Challenge}, n … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
challenged — adjective a) Lacking some physical or mental attribute or skill; used after adverbs to make politically correct adjectives. mentally challenged b) Used following adverbs to make jocular adjectives in imitation of and mocking politically correct… … Wiktionary
challenged — chal|lenged [ tʃælındʒd ] adjective * 1. ) unable to do particular things without difficulty because of being disabled in some way: visually challenged (=unable to see well) 2. ) HUMOROUS used with other words to mean that someone lacks a… … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
challenged — UK [ˈtʃælɪndʒd] / US adjective 1) unable to do particular things without difficulty because of being disabled in some way visually challenged (= unable to see well) 2) humorous used with other words to mean that someone lacks a particular quality … English dictionary
challenged — /chal injd/, adj. (used as a euphemism) disabled, handicapped, or deficient (usually prec. by an adverb): physically challenged; ethically challenged. [1980 85, Amer.] * * * … Universalium
challenged — adjective 1》 euphemistic suffering from impairment or disability in a specified respect: physically challenged. 2》 humorous lacking or deficient in a specified respect: vertically challenged … English new terms dictionary
