# challenging

/ˈtʃæɫəndʒɪŋ/ (US) · /tʃˈælɪndʒˌɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/challenging
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. difficult but rewarding

adjective · CEFR B2

difficult in a way that tests your ability or determination.

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

- 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.

### 2. the act of testing

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The new project is very challenging but I enjoy it.
- Finding a solution to the budget deficit proved to be a challenging task for the new committee.
- While the technical requirements of the role are undeniably challenging, the position offers an unparalleled opportunity for professional development within a competitive industry.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.