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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

Challenge

ˈtʃæləndʒ
Very common
~ 2000
~ 2000, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
A difficult task or problem that tests someone's abilities or skills., To invite someone to engage in a competition or contest., To question the truth or validity of something.

Challenge - Meanings

A difficult task or problem that tests someone's abilities or skills.

Example: Completing this project on time will be a challenge for the team.
Usage: formalContext: workplace, academic settings
Note: Commonly used to describe tasks that require effort and skill to overcome.

To invite someone to engage in a competition or contest.

Example: I challenge you to a game of chess.
Usage: informalContext: friendly competitions, games
Note: Often used in a playful or competitive context to initiate a friendly competition.

To question the truth or validity of something.

Example: I challenge the accuracy of your statement.
Usage: formalContext: debates, discussions
Note: Used to express doubt or disagreement with a statement or claim.

Challenge's synonyms

difficulty

A difficulty refers to a problem or obstacle that is hard to overcome.
Example: Overcoming this difficulty will require a lot of effort.
Note: Similar to a challenge, but may imply a higher level of complexity or severity.

obstacle

An obstacle is something that blocks or hinders progress.
Example: The biggest obstacle to success is fear of failure.
Note: Focuses on something that physically or metaphorically stands in the way of achieving a goal.

problem

A problem is a situation or issue that needs to be resolved.
Example: Solving this problem will require creative thinking.
Note: Broader term that encompasses challenges, difficulties, and obstacles.

hurdle

A hurdle is a barrier or difficulty that must be overcome.
Example: She faced many hurdles on the path to success.
Note: Specifically refers to a barrier that needs to be cleared or overcome.

Challenge expressions, common phrases

Rise to the challenge

To respond positively and effectively to a difficult situation or task.
Example: She rose to the challenge and completed the project ahead of schedule.
Note: This phrase emphasizes taking action and overcoming difficulties rather than just facing them.

Challenge accepted

An enthusiastic acceptance of a difficult task or situation.
Example: When asked to lead the team, she confidently said, 'Challenge accepted.'
Note: This phrase shows a willingness and determination to tackle a challenge head-on.

Throw down the gauntlet

To issue a challenge, typically in a bold or daring way.
Example: The company threw down the gauntlet with their new product, challenging competitors to keep up.
Note: The phrase 'throw down the gauntlet' comes from the medieval practice of challenging someone to a duel by throwing down a gauntlet, a type of armored glove.

Meet the challenge

To successfully deal with or handle a difficult task or situation.
Example: Despite the obstacles, he was able to meet the challenge and successfully complete the marathon.
Note: This phrase emphasizes successfully handling a challenge rather than just facing it.

Challenge the status quo

To question or confront the existing state of affairs or conventional practices.
Example: She always seeks to challenge the status quo and find new ways to innovate.
Note: This phrase involves questioning or opposing the current state of things rather than just encountering difficulties.

Take on a challenge

To willingly accept or confront a difficult task or situation.
Example: He decided to take on the challenge of learning a new language.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the voluntary nature of accepting a challenge.

Challenge authority

To question or resist those in power or positions of authority.
Example: The students organized a protest to challenge authority and demand change.
Note: This phrase involves questioning or defying authority figures rather than simply facing difficulties.

Challenge someone to do something

To invite someone to compete or prove themselves in a specific task or activity.
Example: I challenge you to a game of chess.
Note: This phrase involves inviting someone to engage in a competition or task, rather than just encountering a difficulty.

Present a challenge

To offer or create a difficult task or problem.
Example: The new project presented a challenge due to its complexity.
Note: This phrase focuses on the act of offering or creating a difficulty rather than just facing it.

Challenge everyday (slang) expressions

Showdown

A decisive confrontation or contest between parties to settle a dispute or determine a winner.
Example: We're headed for a showdown with our competitors in the upcoming sales pitch.
Note: The term 'showdown' implies a more intense and dramatic confrontation compared to a regular challenge.

Face-off

A direct confrontation or conflict between individuals or groups.
Example: The team captain called for a face-off between the two rival players to resolve the issue.
Note: While a challenge may involve various aspects, a 'face-off' typically emphasizes a direct, head-to-head conflict.

Dare

To provoke or challenge someone to do something risky or bold.
Example: I dare you to try the spicy buffalo wings challenge at the restaurant.
Note: A 'dare' carries a sense of provocation and often involves inviting someone to take a risk or face a difficult task.

Confrontation

A direct clash or dispute between individuals or groups, usually involving a disagreement or conflict.
Example: The debate turned into a heated confrontation between the two candidates.
Note: In comparison to a general challenge, a 'confrontation' suggests a more direct and potentially hostile interaction or disagreement.

Standoff

A situation in which no progress can be made or no agreement is reached, often due to a deadlock or stalemate.
Example: The negotiation reached a standoff when neither party was willing to compromise.
Note: A 'standoff' typically implies a situation where opposing sides are at a deadlock or impasse, differing from a challenge in that it signifies a lack of resolution or progress.

Clash

A sharp or strong disagreement, conflict, or collision of interests or ideas.
Example: There was a clash of opinions during the team meeting about the new project direction.
Note: A 'clash' highlights a disagreement or conflict where opposing views or actions come into direct opposition, often leading to tension or friction.

Odds

The likelihood of something happening, or the chances of success or failure in a situation.
Example: Despite the odds, she decided to take on the challenge and pursue her dream of becoming an artist.
Note: While 'odds' may not directly mean challenge, it often refers to the probability or difficulty associated with overcoming a challenge or achieving a goal.

Challenge - Examples

The challenge of climbing Mount Everest is immense.
Learning a new language can be a great challenge.
Overcoming obstacles is a challenge that we all face in life.

Challenge grammar

Challenge - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: challenge
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): challenges, challenge
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): challenge
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): challenged
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): challenging
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): challenges
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): challenge
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): challenge
Syllabification and Stress
challenge Contains 2 syllables: chal • lenge
Phonetic transcription: ˈcha-lənj
chal lenge , ˈcha lənj (The red syllable is stressed)

Challenge - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
challenge: ~ 2000 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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