challenging

1 of 2

adjective

chal·​leng·​ing ˈcha-lən-jiŋ How to pronounce challenging (audio)
Synonyms of challenging
1
: arousing competitive interest, thought, or action
a challenging course of study
a challenging job
2
: invitingly provocative : fascinating entry 1
a challenging personality
challenging questions
challengingly
ˈcha-lən-jiŋ-lē How to pronounce challenging (audio)
adverb

challenging

2 of 2

present participle of challenge entry 1

Synonyms of challenging

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Adjective

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Examples of challenging in a Sentence

Adjective I find the job challenging and fun. Teaching is challenging but rewarding work. It's a challenging book that requires careful reading. The slope was challenging for even the most experienced climbers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Throughout the hourlong episode, the three-time Grammy winner spoke at length with fans in the audience, who requested their favorite songs and shared how Clarkson’s music helped them through challenging times. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 China Railway Engineering Equipment Group and China Railway Tunnel Group worked together to develop the machine for this challenging cross-river project. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 These battles, usually against Oni from Japanese folklore, provide the game’s most exciting—and challenging—moments. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026 The downsizing comes amid a particularly challenging stretch for film and TV productions in California. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for challenging

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see challenge entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of challenging was in 1841

Browse Nearby Words

challenger
challenging
challengingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/challenging. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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