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

Ed Sheeran‘s challenging month continues as a pair of his high-profile stadium shows have been canceled due to weather. — William Earl, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Digging into the character was all the more challenging for both Pitt and Ayer given the compressed pre-production schedule and swift shoot, which required them to hit the ground running. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Sep. 2026

Sally Hayden’s reportage is always deeply humane, rigorous and challenging, and this new book promises to be an education. — Doireann Ní Ghríofa, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026

Also, finding the show for a new generation and being clear on that was very challenging. — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1