- 1a new or difficult task that tests someone's ability and skill an exciting/interesting challenge The role will be the biggest challenge of his acting career. to face a challenge (= to have to deal with one) Destruction of the environment is one of the most serious challenges we face. Schools must meet the challenge of new technology (= deal with it successfully). We rose to the challenge and figured out a way to do it. I'm looking forward to the challenge of my new job.
- 2an invitation or a suggestion to someone that they should enter a competition, fight, etc. to accept/take up a challenge to mount a challenge
- 3challenge (to something) a statement or an action that shows that someone refuses to accept something and questions whether it is right, legal, etc. It was a direct challenge to the president's authority. Their legal challenge was unsuccessful.
- 4a demand that someone stop and provide proof of their identity The sentry's challenge forced them to stop and show their identification.
- 5(law) an occasion at the beginning of a court case when a lawyer formally questions whether a possible member of a jury is qualified or suitable for that position
Check pronunciation: challenge