adjective

beleaguered

/bɪˈliːɡərd/ · say it: bih·LEE·gerd

under constant pressure or criticism

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (adjective) suffering from many problems or difficulties, or being troubled or worried

2. (adjective) surrounded or trapped by enemies or difficulties

Examples

The beleaguered president faced criticism from all sides.
The beleaguered city was cut off from supplies for weeks.

How to use beleaguered

Beleaguered describes someone or something under sustained pressure or attack—either literal siege or figurative stress. It suggests both external pressure and internal strain, and often implies a situation that has persisted over time. It is more formal and literary than 'troubled' or 'stressed,' and is frequently used in news reports about politicians, institutions, or cities facing multiple crises.

Common phrases

beleaguered city
beleaguered government
beleaguered company
beleaguered leader
beleaguered parent

Synonyms

besieged · troubled · harassed · overwhelmed · distressed

Opposites

secure · untroubled · peaceful

Word family

beleaguer (verb) · beleaguerment (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'beleaguer' to mean simply 'busy' or 'tired,' but the word specifically conveys being besieged by problems or enemies, not mere workload or fatigue.

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