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

With a very small majority, and assuming united Democratic opposition, finding House votes in support of a final budget package will be very challenging. —Richard McGahey, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

Luise, what was the most challenging aspect of this film for you? —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025

The director William Friedkin’s film—which also won Best Picture—was part of a tidal wave of challenging, morally complex storytelling that washed ashore starting in the late ’60s. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025

Builders are facing a challenging market with mixed economic signals. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1