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

• arduous
• Augean
• backbreaking
• demanding
• difficult
• effortful
• exacting
• formidable
• grueling
• gruelling
• hard
• heavy
• hellacious
• herculean
• killer
• laborious
• moiling
• murderous
• pick-and-shovel
• rigorous
• rough
• rugged
• severe
• stiff
• strenuous
• sweaty
• tall
• testing
• toilsome
• tough
• uphill

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

His back nine was particularly challenging as the weather conditions deteriorated, resulting in one bogey and no birdies. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

But Kirby and Danielle said the past year has been incredibly challenging. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025

The show’s tone is also challenging, requiring him to strike a balance between its dramatic and comedic elements. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025

Listen to this article A day after a Navy jet crashed into San Diego Bay, the focus has turned to the challenging task of recovering the wreckage from the depths. —Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1