challenging

1 of 2

adjective

chal·​leng·​ing ˈcha-lən-jiŋ 

1

: arousing competitive interest, thought, or action

a challenging course of study

a challenging job

2

: invitingly provocative : fascinating entry 1

a challenging personality

challenging questions

challengingly

ˈcha-lən-jiŋ-lē 

adverb

challenging

2 of 2

present participle of challenge entry 1

Synonyms of challenging

Adjective

• difficult
• tough
• rigorous
• demanding
• hard

Examples of challenging in a Sentence

Adjective

I find the job challenging and fun.

Teaching is challenging but rewarding work.

It's a challenging book that requires careful reading.

The slope was challenging for even the most experienced climbers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

With this system, Weavabel addresses the European Union‘s fast-changing regulatory environment and provides a solution to the fragmented collection systems and limited infrastructure that can make recycling challenging. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

The 724-page report describes a deluge of chaos and poor communication that made evacuations, rescues and firefighting more challenging amid conditions that were already exceptionally dangerous and volatile. — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

The project’s lengthy construction timeline and challenging terrain could push costs higher, while slowing demand could leave buyers locked into take-or-pay contracts lasting 20 years or more, Yoo said. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

This El Niño, which is forecast to peak this fall and winter, comes at an already challenging time for food prices, given supply chain pressures from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Black Sea. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1