beleaguered

1 of 2

adjective

be·​lea·​guered bi-ˈlē-gərd 

bē-

: suffering or being subjected to constant or repeated trouble or harassment

an economically beleaguered city

With its life-support system cut off, the beleaguered college has embarked on a tortuous campaign to keep going.

—Lucinda Harper

… as he evolved from conformist to opportunist to reformer to revolutionary to beleaguered leader.

—Philip Taubman

beleaguered

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of beleaguer

Examples of beleaguered in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Director Margaret Shigeko Starbuck leans into makeshift theatricality — flashlights, pool noodles, pocket umbrellas — while a nimble ensemble balances meta-theatrical humor with genuine feeling for Pericles and his beleaguered family. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Kroenke’s resume offers beleaguered supporters across Orange County an infusion of hope. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

At the same time, the Panthers saw very little impact from their pass rush — a disappointment considering the beleaguered state of Houston’s offensive line — and Stroud didn’t struggle to find short completions. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026

The father of a sailor on board the beleaguered USS Abraham Lincoln was released from ICE detention. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from past participle of beleaguer

First Known Use

Adjective

1644, in the meaning defined above