WordGarden.iochallenge
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /tʃˈælɪndʒ/
US
- /ˈtʃæləndʒ/
Meanings
Noun
a difficult task or situation that tests ability
an invitation or demand to compete or prove ability
an objection or attempt to question a decision, claim, or authority
Verb
to question or dispute the truth, authority, or validity of something
to invite or dare someone to compete or prove themselves
to test someone's ability or make strong demands on them
Beyond the definition
A challenge isn't always about climbing mountains or winning competitions—though it can be! It is any situation that tests your ability, strength, or determination. Think of a tricky puzzle, a difficult conversation, or even learning a new skill; these all present challenges. Sometimes a challenge is something you choose to do, like daring yourself to run a marathon. Other times, it is something life throws at you—a sudden illness, a job loss, or a tough decision. Facing challenges helps us grow and become stronger. You can also challenge an idea or decision, meaning you question it or push back against it. A knight might issue a challenge to another, demanding a duel, but your teacher might challenge you with a difficult assignment.
The word "challenge" has a fascinating range of meanings, all revolving around the idea of something that tests or pushes boundaries. One older, dramatic sense is a call to combat—a demand for someone to prove their worth in battle. Think of knights calling each other out across a field.
Today, we use "challenge" much more broadly. It can refer to a difficult task or problem: "The project presented a significant challenge for the team." It can also be an invitation to compete: "She issued a challenge to her opponent in the chess tournament." Furthermore, it can be a dare—something you intentionally do to test your own limits: "He challenged himself to learn a new language."
"Challenge" also carries a sense of adversity that requires effort to overcome. A sudden illness or financial hardship can be a challenge that life throws our way, demanding resilience and problem-solving skills. Overcoming these hurdles often leads to personal growth and increased confidence.
Interestingly, you can challenge someone's statement, which means to question its truthfulness or validity: "He challenged the accuracy of her report." Similarly, you can challenge a rule or a law, meaning to formally protest or dispute its authority. Whether it is a test of skill, an invitation to compete, a difficult life situation, or a questioning of the status quo, "challenge" always implies something that requires effort, courage, and determination. It is the very thing that makes us stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
Examples
- 1
Housing
Finding an affordable apartment in the city is a real challenge.
- 2
Remote work
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is staying focused.
- 3
Restaurant work
Running a restaurant brings new challenges every day.
- 4
Personal goal
She challenged herself to speak only English during the trip.
- Patternchallenge yourself to do X
make yourself try something difficult
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Game invitation
He challenged me to a game of chess.
- Patternchallenge someone to + competition
invite someone to compete
- 6
Scientific results
Several scientists have challenged the results of the study.
- 7
Legal action
The company plans to challenge the new tax law in court.
- 8
Difficult situation
It was a tough season, but the team rose to the challenge.
- Phraserise to the challenge
deal with a difficult situation successfully
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- face a challenge
- meet a challenge
- rise to the challenge
- major challenge
Word family
Explore
- resilience
- problem solving
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- challengenounverb
Forms
- challengespluralnounverb
- challenging-ing formverbnoun
- challengedpast tenseverbnoun