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.
Despite the title, Garland’s Civil War played more like an American road trip movie that followed a group of journalists making their way to Washington, D.C. for one last interview with an embattled and unnamed president (Nick Offerman). Christian Holub, EW.com, 18 Dec. 2024 Hegseth, however, has the strong support of Trump, who appeared with his embattled nominee, and director of national intelligence nominee at the Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024 Stars with homes reportedly in the affected area include Beyoncé and her embattled music mogul husband, Jay-Z, actress Julia Roberts, and pop star Lady Gaga. Janelle Ash, Fox News, 17 Dec. 2024 Stars with homes reportedly in the affected area include Beyoncé and her embattled music mogul husband, Jay-Z, actress Julia Roberts, and popstar Lady Gaga. Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 12 Dec. 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 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

embattled

adjective
: engaged in battle or conflict

More from Merriam-Webster on embattled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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