embattled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "embattled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is facing challenges, conflicts, or difficulties, often from multiple sources. Example: "The politician was embattled by criticism from both sides of the aisle, making it difficult for him to maintain his position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

("We have even been surpassed by a country embattled by civil war," Slate noted).

The New Yorker

Burdened with personal tragedy and embattled by class and gender politics, Morrow is abrasive, ill-­mannered and tough to like.

The New York Times - Books

PM Brown is unchallenged as leader of the Labour Party, but remains embattled by the UK media.

The Guardian

Ms. Quan has spent her first term embattled by the Occupy movement, which installed itself in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza in October.

The New York Times

Ms. Quan has spent her first term embattled by Occupy protesters who set up camp at the Ogawa Plaza in October.

The New York Times

But they are also seeking balms for psyches often embattled by illness, and ways of dealing with pain and discomfort that do not come in pill form.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Police are embattled, criticized by a movement led by a younger generation for how they use force.

Vice

Trump is a salesman, pitching to a population primed by a generation of movement conservative politicians to see themselves as embattled, assailed by the demands of minorities and women for special treatment enforced by the government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here we have 3 distinct types of blood on a single video occasion; the blood of the soldier, whose prize is glory; the blood of the pugilist, whose prize is money...and finally, the reservoir of blood in the veins of the spectators who seek relief from this bloody and embattled world by attending the spectacle of further bloodletting.

The New Yorker

Some of the Dixiecrats went so far as to declare their commitment to "white supremacy," according to The Confederate Battle Flag: America's Most Embattled Emblem by John M. Coski.

Huffington Post

A judge nominated to the State Superior Court by embattled Gov. John G. Rowland was soundly rejected Thursday by the Senate, the second time in eight days that a Rowland judicial nomination fell through.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the conflict. If the situation involves extreme aggression, alternatives like "under siege by" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "embattled by" when describing a situation with only one source of pressure. The phrase implies multiple, often conflicting, forces contributing to the difficulty. For single issues, consider a phrase like "challenged by" or "facing".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "embattled by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is experiencing challenges or difficulties caused by an external force. It often describes a state of being under pressure or attack, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "embattled by" is a useful phrase for describing a state of being under pressure from multiple challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that this phrase implies a multifaceted struggle. If there's only a single challenge, consider using alternatives like "challenged by". This phrase has a neutral register, meaning its appropriate to use it in different writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beset by

Indicates being persistently troubled or harassed, emphasizing ongoing difficulties.

plagued by

Implies a more negative and troublesome experience than simply being challenged.

under siege by

Suggests a more intense and aggressive form of attack or pressure.

confronted with

Highlights the act of facing a situation, rather than being overwhelmed by it.

challenged by

A more neutral term, suggesting difficulties that need to be overcome.

grappling with

Implies actively struggling to overcome a challenge or problem.

struggling against

Highlights the effort being made to resist or overcome something.

afflicted by

Suggests suffering or being negatively affected by something.

oppressed by

Implies being subjected to unjust or cruel restraints.

burdened with

Indicates being weighed down by something, often emotionally or figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "embattled by" in a sentence?

The phrase "embattled by" describes someone or something facing significant challenges, often from multiple sources. For example, "The company was embattled by lawsuits and declining sales."

What's a good alternative to "embattled by"?

Depending on the specific context, alternatives include "beset by", "plagued by", or "under siege by".

Is it better to say "embattled by" or "challenged by"?

"Embattled by" suggests a more intense and multifaceted struggle compared to the more neutral "challenged by". Choose based on the severity of the situation.

Can "embattled by" be used to describe positive situations?

No, "embattled by" typically describes negative situations where someone or something is facing difficulties or adversity. If you want to describe overcoming a challenge, consider a phrase like "strengthened by" or "empowered by" instead.