Word
challenging
Phoneticschal·leng·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtʃæɫəndʒɪŋ/
UK/tʃˈælɪndʒˌɪŋ/
Definitions
01difficult but rewarding
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. difficult in a way that tests your ability or determination.
adj. demanding considerable effort, skill, or endurance, often with the implication of being stimulating or worthwhile.
日本語:大変※
“The hike was challenging because the path was very steep and rocky.”
“The board of directors faced a challenging fiscal year, requiring them to restructure the entire department while maintaining employee morale.”
Antonyms
02the act of testing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of questioning something or testing someone's skills.
n. the action of disputing a statement or testing the boundaries of a rule or ability.
“His challenging of the referee's decision led to a long argument on the field.”
“The legal team's persistent challenging of the evidence eventually forced the prosecution to drop the most serious charges.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “challenging” in context.
Verb
01. find the task challenging
“New employees often find the task challenging during their first week on the job.”
verb + noun + adj
02. prove challenging
“Implementing the new software proved challenging due to several technical glitches.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. challenging environment
“Working in a fast-paced, challenging environment helps you develop resilience.”
adj + noun
04. challenging to complete
“The marathon was incredibly challenging to complete because of the high humidity.”
adj + infinitive
Adverb
05. extremely challenging
“The final exam was extremely challenging, but most students managed to pass.”
adv + adj
06. intellectually challenging
“She is looking for an intellectually challenging role that will test her analytical skills.”
adv + adj
07. challenging situation
Real-World Examples
“He has become more forgetful, for instance, but takes consolation in knowing he can still produce challenging, original art.” “While vaccinating wild birds is challenging, it was considered possible in Victoria’s wild little penguins because they generally return to the same burrows at Phillip Island and St Kilda each night.” Etymology
From Middle English chalengynge; equivalent to challenge + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/challenging
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0