challenging

[ chal-in-jing ]

adjective

1. offering a challenge; testing one's ability, endurance, etc:

   a challenging course;

   a challenging game.

2. stimulating, interesting, and thought-provoking:

   a challenging suggestion.

3. provocative; intriguing:

   a challenging smile.

ˈchallenging

/ ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ /

adjective

1. demanding or stimulating

   a challenging new job

Other Words From

• challeng·ing·ly adverb
• non·challeng·ing adjective
• un·challeng·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of challenging¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, as a gerund; 1835–45 for sense of "testing one's ability"; challenge ( def ), -ing ²( def )

Example Sentences

Culturing skin microbiota in the lab setting can be challenging due to several reasons such as difficulty in replicating the unique environment of skin and the lack of effective culturing methods.

From Science Daily

Targeting these pathways offers hope not only to overcome AR resistance but also to broaden treatment options for this challenging form of cancer.

From Science Daily

Researchers warn that this gap could directly impact Australia's humanitarian response by challenging the effectiveness of its economic aid, peacebuilding, and climate adaptation efforts.

From Science Daily

"Groundwater is challenging to manage because it is hidden below ground and poorly understood," said William Jaeger, a professor of applied economics at Oregon State.

From Science Daily

They noted that tribes and environmental groups are currently challenging related state water-management decisions in the Delta, and said more legal challenges are likely.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ambitious
• arduous
• burdensome
• challenging
• crucial
• demanding
• laborious
• onerous
• painful
• problematic
• severe
• strenuous
• tough
• troublesome