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 of challenging

• 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

And in 2021 the Court required Section 2 plaintiffs challenging burdens on casting ballots to focus on discriminatory intent rather than discriminatory effect, with the result that no Section 2 challenge since then has succeeded. —Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 2 May 2026

The fact that four of the Red Sox’s five starting-caliber outfielders bat left-handed, including Yoshida, also makes arranging a platoon situation more challenging. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026

But the humor concealed a relentless dedication that could mean long hours grinding away at stories and challenging sources and story subjects to get at the truth, Morrissey and Herald colleagues recalled. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026

The Chicago Cubs didn’t let a challenging West Coast trip derail a strong stretch. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1