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

• 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

Large-scale developments also have become increasingly challenging to build due to burdensome regulations and high construction and labor costs. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025

Getting tulips in containers through the winter is more challenging, as the bulbs are not sufficiently insulated and undergo frequent freeze-thaw cycles, which affect plant growth and flowering. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2025

But finding and carrying out the plan proved challenging. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025

For now, the staff at Keystone are planning for what could be a historically challenging November. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1