Challenges

/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonProblem
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A difficult task or situation that tests one's abilities.

/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/

nounneutralBeginner
Problem

A difficult task or problem.

The mountain presented many challenges for the climbers.

💡 Simply: A challenge is like a puzzle or a tough problem that makes you think hard. Like trying to build a really tall LEGO tower – it's hard, but fun when you succeed!

👶 For kids: Something hard to do.

More Examples

2

She faced many challenges in her career.

How It's Used

General

"The project presented many challenges."

Business

"The company is facing significant challenges in the market."

2

To invite or dare someone to compete or prove something.

/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To invite someone to compete in a contest or game.

I challenge you to a race!

💡 Simply: To challenge someone is like saying, 'I bet I can do better than you!' It's about testing your skills against someone else's. Like challenging your friend to a race.

👶 For kids: To ask someone to compete.

More Examples

2

He challenged the authority of the government.

How It's Used

Sports

"He challenged the world champion to a rematch."

Debate

"She challenged his arguments."

Tip:Think of a knight challenging another to a duel.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

meet the challenge

To successfully overcome a difficult task or situation.

"The team met the challenge and finished the project on time."

From Middle French *chalenche, from Old French *chalenge, from Vulgar Latin *calumnia, from Latin calumnia "false accusation, slander," from calumnari "to slander, accuse falsely."

The word "challenge" originally meant "accusation" and evolved to mean "difficult task" over time.

Memory tip

Think of a challenger in a competition – they pose a difficult test.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"false accusation"

meet a challengerise to a challengeaccept a challenge

Common misspellings

chalengeschalenges

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written