embattled

adjective

em·​bat·​tled im-ˈba-tᵊld 

1

a

: ready to fight : prepared to give battle

here once the embattled farmers stood

—R. W. Emerson

b

: engaged in battle, conflict, or controversy

an embattled official accused of extortion

2

a

: being a site of battle, conflict, or controversy

the embattled capital

b

: characterized by conflict or controversy

an embattled presidency

Examples of embattled in a Sentence

the embattled coach of a losing team

Recent Examples on the Web

From embattled and high-strung romances to one three-time divorcée, here's a look at her relationship timeline. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025

Authorities placed an ankle monitor on the embattled former leader and his home was raided by police. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 19 July 2025

Self’s ruling served as a rare legal victory for the embattled governing body. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Troops on the frontline are fearing the worst One drone video from January, posted by the Ukraine’s 59th brigade active around the embattled strategic city of Pokrovsk, shows a Russian soldier using a crutch under each arm to try and reach cover. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for embattled

• battled
• rattled

Kids Definition

embattled

adjective

: engaged in battle or conflict