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
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
Keir Starmer appeared to suggest Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, should testify to Congress about Jeffrey Epstein, increasing the pressure on the embattled royal.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025
The move by coach Aaron Glenn sends the embattled and struggling Fields to the sideline for the Jets (2-8), who are coming off a 27-14 loss at New England last Thursday night.
—CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for embattled
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025
The move by coach Aaron Glenn sends the embattled and struggling Fields to the sideline for the Jets (2-8), who are coming off a 27-14 loss at New England last Thursday night.
—CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for embattled
Cite this Entry
“Embattled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embattled. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share