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Meaning & use

challenging

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/
US/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/

Meanings

  1. adjectivecomparableapproving

    Difficult in a way that tests your skill or effort, often in an interesting or rewarding way.

    Grammar: Can come before a noun (a challenging task) or after be (the course is challenging).

    Patterns

    • a challenging task
    • challenging for someone

    The hike was challenging, but the view made it worth it.

    She enjoys challenging puzzles.

    Learning a new language is challenging for most adults.

  2. adjectivebefore a noun

    Showing that you doubt or dispute something, in a bold or direct way.

    Grammar: Describes a look, tone or question: a challenging stare.

    Patterns

    • a challenging look
    • a challenging tone

    He gave her a challenging look across the table.

    The reporter asked a challenging question about the budget.

    Her tone was challenging, as if she expected an argument.

Word forms

comparativemore challenging
superlativemost challenging

Common combinations

challenging task
Moving the piano was a challenging task.
challenging situation
The nurses worked in a challenging situation.
challenging time
It has been a challenging time for the company.
physically challenging
The job is physically challenging.
extremely challenging
The final exam was extremely challenging.
challenging behavior
The school supports pupils with challenging behavior.

Synonyms and how they differ

demanding
Demanding stresses the heavy effort or time something needs, with less sense of reward than challenging.
difficult
Difficult is plain and can sound negative, whereas challenging suggests a problem you can grow from.
tough
Tough is informal and stresses hardship, and challenging is more neutral and professional.
stimulating
Stimulating means mentally exciting and does not imply difficulty, unlike challenging.

Opposites

easystraightforward

Word family

challenge noun
a difficult task that tests ability
challenge verb
to test or question something
challenger noun
a person who competes for a title
challengingly adverb
in a bold or testing way

Commonly confused: challenging or challenged?

challenging vs challenged

Challenged as a descriptive term, as in 'physically challenged', is dated and often avoided; challenging describes a task, not a person.

Practice

The marathon was ______, but she felt proud of finishing it.

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