challenging
adjective
chal·leng·ing
ˈcha-lən-jiŋ 
1
: arousing competitive interest, thought, or action
a challenging course of study
a challenging job
2
: invitingly provocative : fascinating
a challenging personality
challenging questions
Examples of challenging in a Sentence
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
This was billed as Tuchel’s hardest game yet away to a dangerous team in a challenging atmosphere, and in stifling evening heat.
—
Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
While much of the concert industry has faced a challenging business climate this year, Live Nation in August reported second-quarter revenues of $7 billion, up 16 percent from last year.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
The Brown University graduate was finally beckoned back to Paris with the plum, but challenging, role of succeeding Hedi Slimane at Celine.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
When asking questions is seen as challenging authority instead of engaging thoughtfully, that’s a culture built on control, not growth.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
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.
Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
While much of the concert industry has faced a challenging business climate this year, Live Nation in August reported second-quarter revenues of $7 billion, up 16 percent from last year.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Sep. 2025
The Brown University graduate was finally beckoned back to Paris with the plum, but challenging, role of succeeding Hedi Slimane at Celine.
—Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
When asking questions is seen as challenging authority instead of engaging thoughtfully, that’s a culture built on control, not growth.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for challenging
Cite this Entry
“Challenging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/challenging. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share