challenging

/ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/

/ˈtʃæləndʒɪŋ/

Other forms: challengingly

If something is challenging, you better bring your "A game." It isn't going to be easy but you will get to test your skills as you push yourself, like completing a challenging crossword puzzle or a challenging hike up a mountain.

Another meaning of challenging is "causing to question values or assumptions," like a challenging movie that makes you re-evaluate your attitude about something. In other words, it challenges what you believe. People sometimes use challenging as a polite — and far more positive — substitute for troublesome or problematic, as in, "This challenging situation will require everyone's patience."

Definitions of challenging

1. adjective

   requiring full use of your abilities or resources
   “performed the most challenging task without a mistake”

   synonyms: ambitious

   difficult, hard

   not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
2. adjective

   stimulating interest or thought
   “a challenging hypothesis”

   synonyms: thought-provoking

   stimulating

   rousing or quickening activity or the senses
3. adjective

   disturbingly provocative
   synonyms: intriguing

   provocative

   serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy