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

Gameplay sees major defensive overhauls, smarter linebackers, and complex pre-snap options, creating a deeper, more challenging experience. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Uniting these jokes is a streak of playful irreverence, a facility for tempering challenging ideas with American cultural references, and a reluctance to provide more explanation than necessary. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Throughout this challenging period, our faith in truth, fairness and the rule of law remained unwavering. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

After several challenging years, the freight market is beginning to change. — Shelley Simpson, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1