challenge
noun
a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.
had been challenging
-
past perfect progressiveof challenge.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Aberdeenshire Council said it had been "challenging" dealing with pothole repairs while faced with ongoing weather warnings and flood alerts.
From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2026
Marc Metrick, the former CEO of Saks Global, who stepped down earlier this month, told “Women’s Wear Daily” in November that it had been challenging to get more brands onto the storefront.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026
Frankel spoke by phone to Saks’s finance chief, who told him summer sales had been challenging but that payments would happen in the fall.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 15, 2026
A month after the relaunch, the new head of the Bom - who started his role during the saga - admitted the changes had been "challenging for some" and again apologised for the confusion.
From BBC ● Nov. 26, 2025
Sending Margaret away to school had been challenging, emotionally and financially.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
