adj
challenging
CHAL-ihn-jihng
adj
1
Difficult in a way that requires effort or skill, often engagingly so.
"The exam was challenging but fair."
"She took on a challenging new role at the company."
How to Use Challenging
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDemanding, difficult, or testing — usually in a way that pushes someone to improve.
Common pairings
challenging task
find something challenging
Word Forms
more challenging comparative, challengings plural, most challenging superlative
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The exam was _____ but fair.
Etymology
From the verb "challenge" plus the suffix "-ing."