Challenging
/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/
adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonDifficulty
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
Presenting a difficult task or problem requiring great effort.
/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Difficulty
Difficult, demanding, requiring great effort.
The hike was very challenging.
💡 Simply: It means something is hard to do and needs a lot of work. Like climbing a really steep hill – it's challenging!
👶 For kids: It means something is hard to do.
More Examples
2
She found the job challenging but rewarding.
How It's Used
Education
"The exam was incredibly challenging."
Work
"This project is proving to be quite challenging."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From "challenge" + "-ing", reflecting the act of presenting a challenge.
The word's usage has remained consistent throughout history, referring to things that are difficult or demanding.
Memory tip
Think of a 'challenge' that tests your abilities.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"To put someone's abilities to the test."
Base: challenge
challenging taskchallenging jobintellectually challenging
Common misspellings
chalengingchallanging
Practice
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written