Challenges: meaning, definitions and examples

🏋️

Add to dictionary

challenges

[ˈtʃalɪndʒɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

difficulties

Challenges refer to difficulties or obstacles that one must overcome in order to achieve a goal or succeed in a particular task. They can be mental, physical, emotional, or situational hurdles that test one's abilities and resilience.

Synonyms

difficulties, hardships, obstacles, obstructions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
challenges	Appropriate for any situation that involves tasks or problems that require effort and determination. Generally neutral or positive connotation. She enjoys taking on new challenges at work Addressing climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time
obstacles	Used when referring to tangible or intangible impediments that block progress or make it more difficult to achieve goals. Generally neutral. She overcame numerous obstacles to complete her education The lack of funding is a major obstacle for this project
difficulties	Used when talking about problems or complications that make a situation tough to handle. Typically neutral but can lean negative depending on context. He faced many difficulties after moving to a new country The difficulties of learning a new language can be overwhelming
hardships	Often refers to severe suffering or deprivation. Usually has a negative connotation. The Great Depression brought significant hardships to many families Her life was marked by many hardships, including poor health and financial struggles
obstructions	Refers to physical or metaphorical barriers that prevent movement or progress. Usually has a negative connotation. The fallen tree was an obstruction on the road His dishonest actions were an obstruction to the investigation

Examples of usage

Facing challenges can help individuals grow and develop new skills.
Overcoming challenges often leads to a sense of accomplishment and self-improvement.
Life is full of challenges that require courage and determination to conquer.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to confront difficulties

To challenge means to confront or question the validity or correctness of something. It can also refer to inviting someone to compete in a contest or task that tests their abilities.

Synonyms

compete, contest, oppose, question.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
challenges	Use 'challenges' when referring to difficulties or tasks that require effort to overcome. It’s neutral and can apply to various situations, including work, personal goals, or physical tasks. She faced many challenges while starting her own business. The project presented several technical challenges.
question	Use 'question' in scenarios where someone is expressing doubt or seeking clarification about something. It can be neutral but may imply skepticism or disbelief. He began to question the accuracy of the report. The students are encouraged to question everything in the lecture.
contest	Use 'contest' when referring to a competitive event where participants strive to win based on specific criteria. It often implies a formal or structured competition. She won the writing contest last year. The contestants are preparing for the next debate contest.
compete	Apply 'compete' in contexts where individuals or groups strive to be better than others in a particular activity or field, such as sports, business, or academics. They will compete in the national championship next month. Our company must compete with others in the market.
oppose	Employ 'oppose' when discussing a situation where someone is resisting or standing against a person, idea, or action. It has a slightly negative connotation as it implies conflict or disagreement. The senator plans to oppose the new legislation. Many people oppose the construction of the new highway.

Examples of usage

He challenged the traditional beliefs and sparked a debate.
The champion challenged all contenders to a match.
She challenged herself to learn a new language within a month.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'challenge' comes from the Latin term 'calumnia', which means 'to accuse or call into question'.
Old French adopted it as 'chalenge' before it was used in English around the 14th century.
Initially, it was often associated with legal contexts, before evolving to its broader current meaning.

Psychology

Facing challenges can increase resilience, helping individuals recover from setbacks more effectively.
Research shows that overcoming obstacles enhances our problem-solving skills and boosts confidence.
The 'growth mindset' theory suggests that viewing challenges as opportunities leads to greater success.

Pop Culture

Reality TV shows often center around contestants facing various challenges to win prizes or avoid elimination.
The term resonates in gaming culture, where characters must tackle difficult quests to advance.
In social media, 'challenges' like the Ice Bucket Challenge engage communities for fundraising and awareness.

Education

In educational settings, challenges can be designed to promote critical thinking and teamwork among students.
Many curriculums incorporate 'challenge-based learning', encouraging students to solve real-world problems.
Participation in academic competitions is often seen as a way for students to face and overcome intellectual challenges.

Sports

Athletes often talk about 'challenging themselves' to reach new personal bests, pushing their physical limits.
In competitive sports, challenges can dictate training regimens and strategies for overcoming rival teams.
Marathons and obstacle courses embody physical challenges that promote community, fitness, and resilience.

Translations

Translations of the word "challenges" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desafios

🇮🇳 चुनौतियाँ

🇩🇪 Herausforderungen

🇮🇩 tantangan

🇺🇦 виклики

🇵🇱 wyzwania

🇯🇵 挑戦 (ちょうせん)

🇫🇷 défis

🇪🇸 desafíos

🇹🇷 zorluklar

🇰🇷 도전 (dojeon)

🇸🇦 تحديات

🇨🇿 výzvy

🇸🇰 výzvy

🇨🇳 挑战 (tiǎozhàn)

🇸🇮 izzivi

🇮🇸 áskoranir

🇰🇿 сын-тегеуріндер

🇬🇪 გამოწვევები

🇦🇿 çağırışlar

🇲🇽 desafíos

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,543, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3540 insured
3541 attacked
3542 verse
3543 challenges
3544 praise
3545 definitely
3546 facilitate
...