riddled

Riddled is the past participle of the verb to riddle. In literal use, it describes something perforated by many holes; in figurative use, it describes something that is filled with a large amount of something undesirable or defective. The common construction is 'riddled with' followed by the thing that fills or perforates it. The sense is typically negative, emphasizing damage, flaws, or pervasiveness.

Literal usage: Metal armor, a vehicle, or a target can be riddled with bullet holes. A field can be riddled with potholes. Such uses emphasize physical perforation or damage.

Figurative usage: A document, argument, or plan can be riddled with errors, contradictions, or inconsistencies. A society can be riddled with corruption. A rumor can be riddled with exaggeration. In this sense, it signals widespread and noticeable flaws or problems.

Etymology: The word derives from the noun riddle, which denotes a sieve-like perforation. The verb to riddle developed from the sense of making something sieve-like, producing many holes. The phrase riddled with is common in both formal and informal writing.