Beleaguered Meaning and Definition
Beleaguered
Pronunciation
/bɪˈleɪɡərd/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Harassed or troubled persistently; beset by problems or difficulties.
Examples
- The company was beleaguered by lawsuits and financial difficulties.
- The beleaguered government struggled to respond to the natural disaster.
Synonyms
- Troubled
- Plagued
- Hounded
Antonyms
- Untroubled
- Peaceful
Additional Information
The term “beleaguered” often implies a sense of being overwhelmed or besieged by difficulties or problems. It can be used to describe a person, organization, or situation that is struggling to cope with multiple challenges.
In a broader sense, the term can also be used to describe a state of being under attack or besieged by external forces, whether literal or metaphorical.
The word “beleaguered” is often used in news headlines to describe companies, governments, or individuals facing significant challenges.
Etymology
The word “beleaguered” comes from the Old French “beleaguer”, meaning “to besiege”, and the suffix “-ed”, indicating a state of being.
Usage Notes
The word “beleaguered” is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, politics, or journalism.
It can be used to describe a situation that is ongoing or persistent, rather than a one-time event.
Cultural References
The term “beleaguered” has been used in popular culture to describe characters or situations in film, literature, and television.
For example, the protagonist of the classic novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” is often described as beleaguered by his circumstances.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Beleaguered by debt
- Beleaguered by critics
- Beleaguered by personal demons
Related Words or Phrases
- Beset
- Bombarded
- Harassed
Collocations
- Beleaguered government
- Beleaguered company
- Beleaguered individual
Frequency of Use
The word “beleaguered” is moderately frequent in modern language, often used in formal or professional contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Beleagured
- Beleaugered
- Beleagard