challenge
/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/
Reviewed on
Also a verb
Meaning
A difficult task or situation that tests someone's ability, endurance, or resolve.
Finding affordable housing in the city has become a major challenge for young families.
Will you accept the challenge of leading the newly formed division?
A formal objection to the legality or truth of something, or a call to compete.
The lawyer raised a formal challenge against the admissibility of the evidence.
His bold challenge provoked an immediate response from his opponent.
Collocations
- face a challenge
- major challenge
- formidable challenge
- direct challenge
- legal challenge
Idioms
rise to the challenge
to successfully deal with a difficult situation
The young medical staff rose to the challenge during the regional flu outbreak.
Meaning
To dispute the truth, legality, or validity of something.
Several consumer groups plan to challenge the new regulation in court.
Why did nobody challenge his claims during the morning meeting?
To invite or summon someone to compete in a contest, fight, or debate.
He decided to challenge the reigning champion to a rematch.
She challenged her brother to an arm-wrestling contest after dinner.
To test the abilities, intellect, or stamina of someone in an engaging way.
The advanced curriculum aims to challenge students who find regular classes too easy.
Does this complex puzzle really challenge your analytical skills?
How it's used
When this means “dispute or test abilities”
- challenge the decision
“challenge it.”
Lawyers decided to challenge the policy directly.
When this means “invite to compete”
- challenge the champion to a match
“challenge him to it.”
She challenged the champion to a debate.
Collocations
- challenge an assumption
- challenge a decision
- challenge authority
Synonyms
- dispute
- question
- dare
- stimulate
Antonyms
- accept
- concede