challenging
CHAL-ihn-jihng
Challenging (adj) means Difficult in a way that requires effort or skill, often engagingly so. Example: “Learning to play the cello can be challenging, but it is very rewarding.”
adj
1
Difficult in a way that requires effort or skill, often engagingly so.
"Learning to play the cello can be challenging, but it is very rewarding."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- challengings
- Comparative
- more challenging
- Superlative
- most challenging
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Learning to play the cello can be _____, but it is very rewarding.
Etymology
From the verb "challenge" plus the suffix "-ing."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for challenging
See all rhymes for challenging →Frequently asked questions
What does “challenging” mean?
The word “challenging” means difficult in a way that requires effort or skill, often engagingly so. In plain terms, demanding, difficult, or testing — usually in a way that pushes someone to improve.
How do you pronounce “challenging”?
“Challenging” is pronounced CHAL-ihn-jihng (/ˈt͡ʃæl.ɪn.d͡ʒɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “challenging” in a sentence?
Here is “challenging” used in a sentence: “The exam was challenging but fair.”
What is the opposite of “challenging”?
The opposite of “challenging” — its antonyms — is unchallenging.
What part of speech is “challenging”?
“Challenging” is an adjective.
Is “challenging” a common word?
“Challenging” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'challenging' and 'difficult'?
Both mean hard, but 'challenging' suggests difficulty that requires effort or skill in an engaging, often positive way. 'Difficult' is more neutral and can simply mean hard or troublesome without implying that the effort is rewarding.
What is the difference between 'challenging' and 'impossible'?
'Challenging' describes something hard that still requires effort or skill and can be achieved. 'Impossible' means it cannot be done at all, so a challenging task is demanding but attainable while an impossible one is not.
Why is a hard task sometimes called 'challenging' rather than 'hard'?
'Challenging' often carries a positive, engaging tone, suggesting the difficulty is interesting and worth the effort. Speakers use it in place of 'hard' to frame a demanding task as stimulating rather than merely burdensome.
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