challenge
- 01 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“Learning a new language is a big challenge, but it is very rewarding.”
In context“The management team faced the challenge of restructuring the department without losing the trust of their long-term employees.”
- 02 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“He accepted his friend's challenge to a game of chess.”
In context“The reigning champion issued a formal challenge to any contender willing to meet him in the ring next spring.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The lawyer decided to challenge the witness's story in court.”
In context“New evidence emerged that allowed the researchers to challenge the long-held theory regarding the planet's atmospheric composition.”
- 04 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.
Simple“I challenged him to a race to the end of the street.”
In context“The startup company challenged the industry leader by offering a more efficient service at half the price.”
- 05 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.
Simple“The teacher always tries to challenge her students with hard math problems.”
In context“The new role was designed to challenge her creatively, pushing her to develop skills she had never used in her previous position.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The guard challenged the stranger at the gate and asked for his ID.”
In context“Sentries were instructed to challenge anyone approaching the perimeter after nightfall to prevent unauthorised entry into the compound.”
Usage challenges facing · challenges faced · challenges the idea
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.