beleaguered

Beleaguered is an adjective used to describe a person, group, place, or organization that is surrounded by persistent difficulties or under continuous pressure. It often conveys a sense of ongoing trouble, fatigue, or strain rather than a single setback. The term can apply to physical circumstances, such as a city or fortress under siege, as well as to social, political, or organizational situations where problems accumulate and morale wanes.

Etymology and usage stems from the imagery of a besieging force surrounding a target. The word traces to Dutch belegeren and related French forms, with the sense of laying siege influencing its modern figurative meaning. Be-leaguered entered English in the late 16th century and has since become common in journalism, political commentary, and everyday speech to describe sustained hardship.

In contemporary use, beleaguered often implies that the subject is coping with multiple challenges, facing criticism, dwindling resources, or failing support. It can carry a slightly negative tone, highlighting distress without specifying a solution. Related terms include besieged, harried, and beset, while antonyms might emphasize relief, resilience, or untroubled status.

Overall, the word conveys a state of ongoing pressure or encirclement, whether standing in a city under siege, guiding a troubled organization, or navigating a protracted crisis.