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

This move follows a challenging period for Marte, including a brief and unsuccessful stint with the Cincinnati Reds organization. —Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

And sometimes the victims make enforcement more challenging by refusing to detail the risks, because of emotional attachment to the abuser, dependency, or fear. —Sara-James Ranta, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026

While frowned upon by many who want Illinois’ election laws changed, the process of challenging petitions is perfectly legal. —Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

After losing its opener to Scotland in a challenging Group C, Haiti faced five-time world champion Brazil before a final group-stage match against Morocco on Wednesday in Atlanta. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1