Describing Challenges: English Vocabulary List

demanding or requiring a considerable amount of effort and energy to deal with

"The work is taxing."

"The final exam was very taxing for the students because it covered six months of material and required intense concentration."

requiring a great deal of time and energy

"The task is laborious."

"The process of painting the entire house by hand was laborious and took nearly two weeks to complete with only two people."

causing a lot of work, stress, or difficulty

"The paperwork is burdensome."

"The excessive amount of administrative tasks proved to be a burdensome responsibility for the new employee."

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

"The training is rigorous."

"The training program for the firefighters is rigorous and only those who are physically fit can successfully complete the entire course."

boring and repetitive, often causing frustration or weariness due to a lack of variety or interest

"The job is tedious."

"The data entry job was extremely tedious because he had to type the same numbers into the computer for eight hours every day."

demanding extremely intense effort and often causing exhaustion

"Farm work is backbreaking."

"The work in the coal mines was backbreaking and many workers suffered from health problems as a result of the difficult conditions."

requiring immediate attention due to something's urgency or importance

"This is a pressing issue."

"The most pressing issue for the government right now is the rising unemployment rate among young people who have just graduated."

difficult to manage, control, or resolve

"The problem is intractable."

"The conflict between the two countries seemed intractable and no amount of diplomacy could bring the leaders to the negotiating table."

having the ability to last over a long period of time

"This is an enduring friendship."

"The enduring legacy of the civil rights movement continues to inspire young activists who fight for justice today."

to experience or endure a process, change, or event

"The patient will undergo surgery tomorrow."

"The patient will undergo a series of medical tests to determine the cause of her persistent symptoms."

to resist or endure the force, pressure, or challenges imposed upon oneself

"The building can withstand strong earthquakes."

"The building is designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude eight on the Richter scale without collapsing."

to stay strong when faced with problems or criticism and ultimately surpass them

"She will rise above the criticism."

"Successful people learn to rise above criticism and focus on achieving their long term goals."

to stay alive for a longer period of time than others in a particular situation

"The old model will outlast the new one."

"The old model may outlast the newer version because it has fewer complex electronic components that can fail."

to overpower someone or something emotionally or mentally, leaving them unable to respond effectively

"Sadness will overwhelm him."

"The sudden amount of homework completely overwhelmed the new student who was not used to such pressure."

to confront and deal with a difficult or unpleasant situation directly and courageously

"You must face up to reality."

"You must face up to your mistakes and apologize instead of blaming others for your own failures."

to continue a course of action, especially in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success

"You must persevere through difficult times."

"You must persevere through difficult times because success rarely comes without facing obstacles and setbacks."