What does "challenging" mean?

1. (difficult but rewarding) difficult in a way that tests your ability or determination. 2. (the act of testing) the act of questioning something or testing someone's skills.

challenging

adj. · n.

US //ˈtʃæɫəndʒɪŋ// UK //tʃˈælɪndʒˌɪŋ// chal·leng·ing

1 difficult but rewarding (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

difficult in a way that tests your ability or determination.

demanding considerable effort, skill, or endurance, often with the implication of being stimulating or worthwhile.

Example

The hike was challenging because the path was very steep and rocky.

Example

The board of directors faced a challenging fiscal year, requiring them to restructure the entire department while maintaining employee morale.
2 the act of testing (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of questioning something or testing someone's skills.

the action of disputing a statement or testing the boundaries of a rule or ability.

Example

His challenging of the referee's decision led to a long argument on the field.

Example

The legal team's persistent challenging of the evidence eventually forced the prosecution to drop the most serious charges.
- acceptance
- agreement

Origin

From Middle English chalengynge; equivalent to challenge + -ing.