Word
challenge
Phoneticschal·lenge, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtʃæɫəndʒ/
UK/tʃˈælɪndʒ/
Definitions
01a difficult task
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. something that is difficult to do but often fun or rewarding because it tests your abilities.
n. a demanding task or situation that tests a person's abilities or resources.
“Learning a new language is a big challenge, but it is very rewarding.”
“The management team faced the challenge of restructuring the department without losing the trust of their long-term employees.”
02an invitation to compete
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports
n. an invitation to someone to take part in a competition, fight, or argument.
n. a call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or to prove something.
“He accepted his friend's challenge to a game of chess.”
“The reigning champion issued a formal challenge to any contender willing to meet him in the ring next spring.”
03to question something
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to say that you think something is wrong or not true.
v. to dispute the truth, validity, or authority of something. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Español:poner en duda / cuestión
“The lawyer decided to challenge the witness's story in court.”
“New evidence emerged that allowed the researchers to challenge the long-held theory regarding the planet's atmospheric composition.”
04to invite to a contest
B1 · Intermediate
v. to ask someone to compete against you in a game or fight.
v. to invite someone to engage in a contest, competition, or duel.
Español:retar
“I challenged him to a race to the end of the street.”
“The startup company challenged the industry leader by offering a more efficient service at half the price.”
05to test someone's skills
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to be difficult in a way that makes someone work hard or think a lot.
v. to stimulate someone's interest or test their ability by presenting them with a difficult task.
“The teacher always tries to challenge her students with hard math problems.”
“The new role was designed to challenge her creatively, pushing her to develop skills she had never used in her previous position.”
06to demand identification
C1 · Advanced Military Formal
v. to stop someone and ask them who they are or for a secret password.
v. to signal a person to stop and give a countersign or identification.
“The guard challenged the stranger at the gate and asked for his ID.”
“Sentries were instructed to challenge anyone approaching the perimeter after nightfall to prevent unauthorised entry into the compound.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “challenge” in context.
Verb
01. address challenge
“We need to address the challenge of climate change immediately.”
verb + noun
Adjective
02. abrupt challenge
“The sudden change in leadership was an abrupt challenge for the staff.”
adj + noun
03. additional challenge
“The rain provided an additional challenge for the hikers.”
adj + noun
04. behavioural challenge
“Teachers often face a behavioural challenge when managing large classrooms.”
adj + noun
05. considerable challenge
“Learning a new language in six months is a considerable challenge.”
adj + noun
06. cultural challenge
“Moving to a new country presents a significant cultural challenge.”
adj + noun
07. developmental challenge
“The child is working hard to overcome a developmental challenge.”
adj + noun
08. dramatic challenge
“The new law represents a dramatic challenge to traditional practices.”
adj + noun
09. drastic challenge
“The company faced a drastic challenge when their main factory closed.”
adj + noun
10. environmental challenge
“Plastic pollution is a major environmental challenge for our generation.”
adj + noun
Noun
11. challenge face
“The biggest challenge facing the company is the lack of new talent.”
noun + verb
12. challenge lie
“The real challenge lies in convincing people to change their habits.”
noun + verb
Etymology
From Middle English chalenge, variant with palatalization of Middle English kalange (“an accusation, claim”), from Old French chalenge, chalonge, palatalized Central French variants of Old Northern French calenge, calonge (see Continental Norman calengier), from Latin calumnia (“a false accusation, calumny”). Cognate with Old English hōl (“calumny”). Doublet of calumny.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/challenge
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0