challenge /ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/ noun DIFFICULT JOB 1. [ C or U ] (the situation of being faced with) something needing great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and which therefore tests a person's ability
Finding a solution to this problem is one of the greatest challenges faced by scientists today. You know me - I like a challenge. It's going to be a difficult job but I'm sure she'll rise to the challenge. challenge /ˈtʃæl.ɪndʒ/ noun INVITATION 2. [ C ] an invitation to compete or take part, especially in a game or argument
"I bet you can't eat all that food on your plate." "Is that a challenge?" [ + to infinitive ] She issued a challenge to her rival candidates to take part in a public debate. compromise /ˈkɒm.prə.maɪz/ /ˈkɑːm-/ noun [ C or U ]
an agreement in an argument in which the people involved reduce their demands or change their opinion in order to agree
It is hoped that a compromise will be reached in today's talks. In a compromise between management and unions, a 4% pay rise was agreed in return for an increase in productivity. The government has said that there will be no compromise with terrorists. difficulty /ˈdɪf.ɪ.k ə l.ti/ /-t ̬i/ noun 1. [ U ] when something is not easy to do or understand
We finished the job, but only with great difficulty. The difficulty of the task excited them. People with asthma have difficulty in breathing. [ + -ing verb ] She had great difficulty find ing a job. 2. [ C ] a problem
to have financial/personal difficulties children with learning difficulties People learning a new language often encounter some difficulties at first. An unforeseen difficulty has arisen . 3. be in difficulties UK ( US be in difficulty )
to have problems or be in a difficult situation
A ship is in difficulties off the coast of Ireland. dilemma /d a ɪˈlem.ə/ noun [ C ]
a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two different things you could do
The President is clearly in a dilemma about/over how to tackle the crisis. She faces the dilemma of disobey ing her father or los ing the man she loves. a moral/ethical dilemma inhabitant /ɪnˈhæb.ɪ.t ə nt/ noun [ C ]
a person or animal that lives in a particular place
a city of 5 million inhabitants infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃə r / /-tʃɚ/ noun [ C usually singular ]
the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
The war has badly damaged the country's infrastructure. isolation /ˌaɪ.s ə l.eɪ.ʃ ə n/ noun [ U ]
1. the condition of being alone, especially when this makes you feel unhappy
The prisoner had been kept in isolation for three days. After all the visitors had left, she experienced a feeling of complete isolation. 2. when something is separate and not connected to other things
I can't think about it in isolation (= separately) - I need some examples of the problem.