be beleaguered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be beleaguered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being troubled, harassed, or besieged by difficulties or challenges. Example: "After weeks of relentless deadlines and unexpected setbacks, the team began to feel as if they would be beleaguered by their workload forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

To be a celebrity these days is to be beleaguered and outgunned, to feel at the mercy of every stranger's Twitter feed.

The Guardian - Film

On both counts, it turns out I'm completely wrong, for instead he is a scattergun of raw emotions, chief of which appear to be beleaguered frustration, and acute sensitivity to any perceived criticism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The proposals come as net neutrality continues to be beleaguered by telecom industry lawsuits.

TechCrunch

Why does the Philippines continue to be beleaguered by graft and corruption?

Huffington Post

"Despite recent gains made on the political front, Yemen continues to be beleaguered by a struggling economy, underdevelopment; challenging political transition and volatile security," Mr Harneis added.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Already West Indies are beleaguered.

The Guardian - Sport

Ballard is beleaguered by his obsessions.

The Guardian - Books

By the spring of 1793, however, the republic was beleaguered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, some of those bondholders are beleaguered Greek banks.

The New York Times

Super Aguri has been beleaguered with a shortage of financing.

The New York Times

Philip II's Spain is beleaguered by English pirates.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be beleaguered" to describe situations where a person, group, or entity is facing numerous and persistent challenges, creating a sense of being under constant pressure. It is most impactful when the difficulties are significant and ongoing.

Common error

Avoid using "be beleaguered" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase carries a strong connotation of intense and prolonged hardship; using it in trivial contexts dilutes its impact and can sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be beleaguered" primarily functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of an action, specifically being subjected to persistent difficulties or attacks. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. The examples from Ludwig highlight its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be beleaguered" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a state of facing persistent difficulties or attacks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's correct and appears mainly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Encyclopedias contexts, signaling a neutral to formal register. While not frequently used, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of ongoing hardship. Related alternatives include "be besieged" and "be beset", offering nuanced ways to express similar challenges. Remember to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in trivial situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be besieged

Implies being surrounded and attacked, emphasizing a physical or metaphorical encirclement.

be under siege

Similar to "be besieged", but highlights the state of being subjected to persistent pressure.

be beset

Suggests being persistently troubled or harassed by problems or difficulties.

be plagued

Emphasizes the presence of something harmful or unpleasant that causes continuous trouble.

be afflicted

Highlights suffering from a disease, problem, or other adversity.

be harassed

Focuses on being subjected to aggressive pressure or intimidation.

be troubled

Indicates a state of worry or distress.

be overwhelmed

Suggests being burdened by too much to handle.

be hard-pressed

Implies facing significant difficulties or pressures.

be under duress

Highlights being forced to do something against one's will due to pressure or threats.

FAQs

How can I use "be beleaguered" in a sentence?

The phrase "be beleaguered" typically describes someone or something facing persistent and significant challenges. For example, "The company was beleaguered by lawsuits" or "The team felt beleaguered by constant deadlines".

What can I say instead of "be beleaguered"?

You can use alternatives like "be besieged", "be beset", or "be plagued", depending on the specific context and the type of pressure being faced.

Is it correct to say "is beleaguered" or "are beleaguered"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is beleaguered" for singular subjects (e.g., "The country is beleaguered") and "are beleaguered" for plural subjects (e.g., "The citizens are beleaguered").

What's the difference between "be beleaguered" and "be overwhelmed"?

"Be beleaguered" implies a sustained attack or persistent difficulties, while "be overwhelmed" suggests being burdened by too much to handle at once. A beleaguered entity faces ongoing pressure, while an overwhelmed one is struggling with a current overload.