feel beleaguered

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel beleaguered" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to feel overwhelmed or under siege. Example: After weeks of non-stop work, Sarah began to feel beleaguered and desperately needed a break.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"They feel beleaguered," Cohan says.

The Guardian - Business

Others say they simply feel beleaguered.

The Washington Post

But no, I don't feel beleaguered.

The Guardian

I feel beleaguered because the political winds are blowing so ferociously against "my" party.

The New York Times

These days, at least on liberal university campuses, it is fundamentalist Christians who feel beleaguered.

The Economist

When I put on that magic jacket today, I feel beleaguered but kind of satisfied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The Erdogan government feels beleaguered.

The New York Times

Constantly under attack, it feels beleaguered.

The Guardian

In fairness, not every writer feels beleaguered.

The New York Times

"People felt beleaguered and betrayed," the official there told me.

The New Yorker

"I think Gilchrist has felt beleaguered by liquorgate," county spokesman Charles Maier said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel beleaguered" when you want to convey a sense of being overwhelmed and under pressure from multiple sources, suggesting a defensive or reactive posture. Make sure the context clearly indicates the sources of the pressure.

Common error

Avoid using "feel beleaguered" without clearly identifying what is causing this feeling. Ensure that the sentence or surrounding context specifies the stressors or challenges that contribute to the sense of being besieged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel beleaguered" functions as a stative verb phrase, describing a state of being. It indicates a subjective experience of being overwhelmed, harassed, or besieged. As shown in Ludwig, it is used to express a sense of constant pressure or attack.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel beleaguered" effectively communicates a sense of being overwhelmed and under constant pressure. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Predominantly found in "News & Media", its use extends to "Formal & Business" and "Science" contexts, conveying a neutral yet impactful message of vulnerability. To avoid misinterpretations, clarity is paramount: ensure the source of the beleaguerment is well-defined. Alternatives such as "feel besieged" or "feel overwhelmed" offer subtle variations, allowing for nuanced expression. By understanding its proper usage and context, one can effectively utilize "feel beleaguered" to convey a state of being under duress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel besieged

This phrase is a more intense synonym, implying being surrounded and under attack.

feel overwhelmed

This suggests being burdened by too much, losing a sense of control.

feel under pressure

This indicates a sense of stress due to demands and expectations.

feel embattled

Suggests being engaged in a struggle or conflict.

feel hard-pressed

Indicates being under severe strain or difficulty.

feel burdened

Suggests carrying a heavy load, either physically or emotionally.

feel strained

This suggests being stretched to the limit, experiencing tension.

feel afflicted

Implies being affected by something causing pain or distress.

feel persecuted

This indicates being subjected to unfair treatment and hostility.

feel harassed

Suggests being subjected to persistent unwanted attention or annoyance.

FAQs

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

Use "feel beleaguered" to describe a state of being overwhelmed, harassed, or besieged. For instance, "After the constant criticism, the team began to "feel beleaguered"."

What are some alternatives to saying "feel beleaguered"?

You can use alternatives such as "feel besieged", "feel overwhelmed", or "feel under pressure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "feel beleaguered" or "be beleaguered"?

"Feel beleaguered" is generally preferred when describing a subjective experience. "Be beleaguered" is more passive and might imply an objective state. For example: "They "feel beleaguered" by the media" versus "The company was "beleaguered" by lawsuits."

What does it mean to "feel beleaguered"?

To "feel beleaguered" means to feel harassed, besieged, or overwhelmed, as if under constant attack or pressure. It implies a defensive and often stressful state of mind.