challenging

adjective

chal·​leng·​ing ˈcha-lən-jiŋ How to pronounce challenging (audio)
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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shakira has had a challenging time since splitting from her ex Gerard Piqué. Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 But the alternative—growing real red blood cells outside the body—has proved even more challenging. Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 For older individuals, the catastrophe comes at a vulnerable time in their lives, when relocating and coping with physically difficult conditions can be more challenging. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025 National Harbor, Maryland – Ken Martin, the chair of Minnesota's arm of the Democratic party, will become the new leader of the Democratic National Committee after winning during the first round of voting as the party attempts to rebound from a challenging election cycle. Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for challenging 

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of challenging was in 1841

Dictionary Entries Near challenging

Cite this Entry

“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/challenging. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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