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

Valderruten says it’s been “challenging” to talk for so long without being physical.

From Washington Post

This makes it challenging for politicians to understand the scope of the issue.

From MIT Technology Review

The ongoing nature of ambiguous loss can be especially challenging, Williams said, and the grief may always be with you in some way.

From Washington Post

We are looking forward to being part of the redistricting process, but it’s challenging if it isn’t in their language.

From Voice of San Diego

While implementing local SEO strategies may seem challenging at first, it’s less complex than many small businesses think.

From Search Engine Watch

Fossella declined to run again, but in the years since he has mused aloud about challenging Grimm.

From The Daily Beast

She had no say in it, but now is being forced to deal with an already challenging situation in front of strangers.

From The Daily Beast

Here is where the biking becomes the most beautiful — and increasingly challenging.

From The Daily Beast

Colfer's artistic callings share a common thread: they are deeply personal and rooted in a challenging childhood.

From The Daily Beast

That was challenging physically for me but actually doing Liz and being able to access her is surprisingly is pretty easy.

From The Daily Beast

Education, the "backbone" of cultural activities, is one of the most challenging current problems facing Virginia.

From Project Gutenberg

He stands for the famous Hohenzollern, challenging eyes, full lips, retroussé mustache and imperious air.

From Project Gutenberg

Noticeable above all were Perrette and Yolande, the former always brazen and challenging.

From Project Gutenberg

"Lead the way up that hill and you'll find out," she answered with a challenging flash of her dark eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

"I don't see why they shouldn't have him," said Edward Henry, as he lifted a challenging nose in the air.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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