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

The test was designed to operate seamlessly in Florida's varied and challenging environments, from dense Everglades habitats to urban areas where non-native constrictors are now found.

From Science Daily

The filmmaker found her on a visit to her Essex, England, school, looking for the perfect kid for her coming-of-age drama about a young girl growing up in challenging circumstances.

From Los Angeles Times

The change in Sacramento was fueled in part by major turnover in the Legislature this year, creating new opportunities for candidates to run without challenging an incumbent.

From Los Angeles Times

Obviously I hope they don't get back to what they were under Sir Alex Ferguson but wouldn’t it be great to have four or five clubs challenging for the title?

From BBC

Electrospinning using a starch-rich ingredient such as white flour is more challenging than using pure starch, as the impurities -- the protein and cellulose -- make the mixture more viscous and unable to form fibres.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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