embattled

adjective

em·​bat·​tled im-ˈba-tᵊld How to pronounce embattled (audio)
1
a
: ready to fight : prepared to give battle
here once the embattled farmers stoodR. 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
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.
The embattled and much accused rap mogul has been held in the Brooklyn venue since his September 16 arrest in the lobby of a Manhattan hotel. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024 However, Brady does predict a longer timeline for the embattled politician, saying that the LDP is weary from the lengthy leadership contest in September and the election results. Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024 Maybe now, finally, sunlight will pierce the concealing walls of the embattled and scorned Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Joe Davidson, Washington Post, 19 July 2024 The verdict dealt a devastating blow to the embattled former mayor and Trump lawyer, already submerged in legal fees. Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for embattled 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embattled was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near embattled

Cite this Entry

“Embattled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embattled. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

embattled

adjective
: engaged in battle or conflict

More from Merriam-Webster on embattled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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