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 Word Forms

• challengingly adverb
• nonchallenging adjective
• unchallenging 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

Yet, striking a balance between educating the public about real risks - of using untreated freshwater - and avoiding fear that could disrupt daily life is challenging.

From BBC

He said the situation was "more challenging" than normal for his staff but he insisted they were "very calm and coping very well" with the disruption.

From BBC

While Mack’s absence is challenging, the defense appears to be in steady hands.

From Los Angeles Times

Kirk was also known for going to college campuses and speaking to students: entering the lion’s den and affably challenging audiences to “change my mind.”

From Salon

He regularly signed on for dark, challenging roles and inhabited broken, brooding characters.

From Salon

Related Words

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