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What is a word (noun) that describes the object created or produced when a challenge is met?

For example, I might challenge a group of people to create either a poem, a painting or a photograph (they choose which). When they have created them and I have collected them all, I would have a group of __ (fill in the blank). It does not need to be an artistic challenge but could be anything.

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Why not product or creation, words you yourself use? – onomatomaniak Nov 26 '11 at 16:54
@onomatomaniak Shouldn't this be an answer rather than a comment? I think creation is perfect, especially since, as you say, the OP uses the root--and uses it thrice. Although product is used as well, it's only once, and I find it a far less appealing word for a work of art. – sarah Nov 28 '11 at 21:44

4 Answers

up vote 8 down vote

Well, if it were a contest, I would say "submission(s)" or "entry(-ies)" would be commonly used. I think this could work for a challenge as well. Also, one is said to answer a challenge, so perhaps "answer(s)" would meet your need.

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In the same vein, offerings would often be suitable. – FumbleFingers Nov 27 '11 at 16:47
@FumbleFingers +1 for the use of "in the same vein". – Terry Li Nov 27 '11 at 18:57
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@Terry LiYifeng: I thought it was a bit weird when straight after writing it I saw someone had asked about that very phrase! Maybe I'd seen it without conciously noticing. – FumbleFingers Nov 27 '11 at 19:43
@FumbleFingers That may be why we have been so addicted to this site :) – Terry Li Nov 27 '11 at 20:35
Thanks to everyone! I might go with SUBMISSIONS, as that is the best one so far, but it is so generic! So, on the other hand, I might just make up my own word as well. We shall see... – user15289 Nov 28 '11 at 14:55
up vote 4 down vote

Just something that came to my mind, but I don't think they are anywhere near nicely fitting your case.

Work: an artistic creation, such as a painting, sculpture, or literary or musical composition; a work of art.

There seems no challenge explicitly emphasized in the definition of work.

Masterpiece: a creation that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career or to a work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship.

This word is apparently too much for describing your case, nonetheless it was the first word I thought of. By the way, the word "work" happens to be present in the definition of masterpiece above.

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up vote 2 down vote

Did you stop and think that your use of the word challenge is more or less synonymous with contest?

The only difference I can see is that contests have winners, runner-ups, and record the order in which the competitors finish, but challenges have those who pass or fail as opposed to a winner, runner-up, etc.

Merriam-Webster defines a challenge as "To confront or defy boldly." Synonymous with dare

Are you essentially daring these people to create something?

If so, then you can just call it whatever you want. Acts of creation. Poems. Arts. Submissions. Call it anything you want. But if it is a contest, you can then use the words with competition connotations with a little more tenacity.

Hope this helps, man.

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up vote 2 down vote

In project management we'd call it a deliverable. However this doesn't sit comfortably with "challenge". I think something more ambitious like "achievement" maybe.

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