challenging

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

a challenging personality

challenging questions

challengingly

ˈcha-lən-jiŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of challenging

• difficult
• tough
• rigorous
• demanding
• hard

Examples of challenging in a Sentence

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

That said, January through early March is generally the most challenging period for travelers. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

Bhosale says today's job market is a lot more challenging today than when she was laid off. —Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025

Japan has punched above its weight on the global cultural stage for generations, but Hollywood studios have long regarded the country as one of the world’s most challenging places to shoot. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025

Of the songs in that setlist, what’s the easiest one to sing for you, and what is the most challenging one? —Joe Lynch, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1