View synonyms for challenging

challenging

[ chal-in-jing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

offering a challenge; testing one's ability, endurance, etc:
a challenging course;
a challenging game.
stimulating, interesting, and thought-provoking:
a challenging suggestion.
provocative; intriguing:
a challenging smile.

ˈchallenging

/ ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ /

adjective

demanding or stimulating
a challenging new job

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Other Words From

challeng·ing·ly adverb
non·challeng·ing adjective
un·challeng·ing adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of challenging¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, as a gerund; 1835–45 for sense of "testing one's ability"; challenge ( def ), -ing ²( def )

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Example Sentences

Mr Pirotte said he was "not concerned that a university is going to fall over in the near future" despite "extremely challenging" circumstances.

From BBC

But for developers "discoverability" – getting your new release noticed - has never been more challenging in a landscape dominated by blockbusters and online games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty.

From BBC

David Kushner has cancelled his gig in Manchester later saying the ''past week has been challenging''.

From BBC

“The land and the cost of doing business, when you have a facility like we had in Fontana, it’s very, very challenging,” Allen said.

From Los Angeles Times

The son of an Afrikaner mother, he was best known for his politically charged plays challenging the racist system of apartheid.

From BBC

Related Words

Challenger Deep challis

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