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

In this region, soft, sandy beaches are abundant, not only directly in front of the resort but on both sides of it, and surfers can find some excellent, challenging breaks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Collectively the display contributes to enriching knowledge of and challenging conventions on ocean topics. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Today’s puzzle took our testers an average of 5 guesses out of 6, or moderately challenging. — New York Times Games, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2026

The answer is that making good policy is challenging, and the definition of good policy itself is not clear cut. — Scott Warren, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1