Challenges: English Vocabulary List

requiring intense mental effort or focus

"This task is strenuous."

"Solving complex mathematical problems requires strenuous concentration and deep analytical thought."

(of a rule, process, etc.) strictly followed or applied

"The test is rigorous."

"The test is rigorous and only students who have studied very hard will pass it."

requiring so much effort, mostly physical, that will cause exhaustion

"The journey was arduous."

"The refugees made an arduous journey across the mountains in freezing cold weather hoping to find safety and a better life."

(of actions, policies, or statements) severe and uncompromising, often implemented to enforce discipline or control

"The teacher is stern."

"The principal gave the students a stern warning about their bad behavior and said that anyone caught fighting would be expelled."

difficult to manage, control, or resolve

"The problem is intractable."

"The intractable problem had frustrated scientists for decades because no one could find a solution that actually worked."

remaining strong and patient when faced with problems or mistreatment

"She is enduring."

"Despite facing numerous setbacks, the enduring spirit of the community helped them rebuild after the disaster."

to try to deal with a difficult problem or situation in a determined manner

"We must tackle climate change now."

"The government needs to tackle the problem of unemployment by creating more jobs for young people."

to allow the presence or actions of someone or something disliked without interference or complaint

"She will endure his rudeness."

"The survivors had to endure freezing temperatures and harsh conditions for three days without proper shelter."

to succeed in solving, controlling, or dealing with something difficult

"He must overcome his fear of heights."

"She managed to overcome her fear of public speaking by practicing regularly and joining a supportive group."

to accept something as a challenge

"She will take on new responsibilities."

"The young manager decided to take on new responsibilities despite having limited experience in that area."

to bear or carry a burden, responsibility, or task out of duty or obligation

"He must shoulder the family responsibilities."

"He had to shoulder the financial burden of caring for his elderly parents while also paying for his children's education."

to be overwhelmed or deeply affected, especially by intense emotions

"Joy will overpower her."

"The larger army managed to overpower the defenders by using superior numbers and better weapons."

to manage or take care of a situation, task, or responsibility successfully

"Can you attend this?"

"She managed to attend all her professional obligations while also caring for her ailing parent."

to dare someone to do or prove something

"The child will defy his parents rules."

"The teenager decided to defy his parents rules by staying out past curfew despite their clear instructions."

to take responsibility for something and start to do it

"She will undertake a huge project."

"The scientist decided to undertake a dangerous expedition to study the effects of climate change in Antarctica."

to demonstrate dominance or the ability to overcome challenges or opponents

"You need to master the basics first."

"It takes years of dedicated practice to master a musical instrument and perform at a professional level."

to struggle in an effort to overcome a challenging or opposing force

"He will wrestle with the difficult decision."

"The committee will wrestle with the difficult decision of how to allocate limited resources fairly."

to find a way to solve a disagreement or issue

"They need to resolve their differences peacefully."

"The couple sought counseling to resolve their differences and save their marriage from falling apart completely."