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

Points available at the stage’s finish vary based on a coefficient of difficulty: the more challenging the stage, the fewer points available. —Sophie Kaufman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

Besides the challenging business climate in Chicago, President Donald Trump’s tariffs are contributing to rising food costs, and his immigration crackdown threatens to disrupt the food-service workforce. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025

Coordinating closing schedules in a traditional sale can be challenging. —Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 20 July 2025

Brown, who is in her first term serving west Charlotte’s District 3, faces one of the more challenging incumbent paths to victory against three Democrats who all have political experience. —Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 19 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1