a daunting goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daunting goal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a goal that seems challenging or intimidating to achieve. Example: "Setting out to climb Mount Everest is certainly a daunting goal for any mountaineer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is a daunting goal.

The New York Times

One demand resonated loudly: the reduction of federal spending immediately, a daunting goal.

The New York Times

Becoming even a bit like Apple, at least in its customer-centricity, is a daunting goal.

The Economist

In the 1820's, this was a daunting goal; for a blind Englishman of limited means, it was remarkable.

The New York Times - Books

But because many state elections are held at the same time as the Congressional and presidential elections, this is a daunting goal.

The New York Times

Mr. Parlamis has settled on a daunting goal - getting the federal government to donate the land, as it did for the Holocaust Memorial Museum and the soon-to-open National Museum of the American Indian.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But topping her agenda as she prepares to take over the largest university system in the nation under a single governing board, with 440,000 students, is perhaps a more daunting goal: personally visit all 64 campuses in the first few months of her tenure — from the sprawling research universities to the smallest technical colleges.

The New York Times

"It was a pretty daunting goal trying to win back-to-back World Cups and do something that no other side has done before.

Independent

Speaking in the aftermath of the win, the fly half admitted that New Zealand's stated mission to make Rugby World Cup history was "a pretty daunting goal".

Independent

This is a significant milestone because it shows that by targeting specific sets of needs with effective, tailored strategies, it is possible to move the needle on a seemingly daunting goal.

Huffington Post

Nato's plan to withdraw combat troops by 2014 depends on Afghan security forces being able to keep the Taliban at bay without assistance, an increasingly daunting goal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a daunting goal", ensure the context clearly establishes why the goal is challenging. Provide specific details about the obstacles or difficulties involved to emphasize the scale of the undertaking.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting goal" when the objective is only mildly challenging. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly significant and intimidating objectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting goal" functions as a noun phrase where "daunting" modifies the noun "goal". It serves to characterize the goal as something challenging and potentially overwhelming. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daunting goal" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a challenging or intimidating objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys a sense of difficulty and is found across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context provides specific details that clarify why the goal is so challenging. Consider alternatives such as "a challenging objective" or "an intimidating task" to fine-tune the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging objective

Replaces "daunting" with "challenging" and "goal" with "objective", slightly altering the tone but maintaining the core meaning.

an intimidating task

Substitutes "daunting" with "intimidating" and "goal" with "task", emphasizing the feeling of being overwhelmed by the objective.

a formidable ambition

Replaces "daunting" with "formidable" and "goal" with "ambition", suggesting a strong and impressive objective that requires considerable effort.

a Herculean endeavor

Uses "Herculean" to describe the endeavor, implying an extremely difficult and demanding task, referencing the labors of Hercules.

a monumental undertaking

Emphasizes the large scale and significance of the task by using "monumental".

a considerable challenge

Highlights the substantial effort and difficulty involved by using "considerable".

an uphill battle

An idiomatic expression indicating a difficult and sustained effort against opposition.

a tall order

An informal idiom for something difficult to achieve or fulfill.

a demanding objective

Focuses on the high level of effort and skill required to achieve the objective.

a high mountain to climb

Metaphorically describes the difficulty and effort required, similar to climbing a high mountain.

FAQs

How can I use "a daunting goal" in a sentence?

You can use "a daunting goal" to describe an objective that seems difficult or intimidating to achieve. For example, "Reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 is "a daunting goal" for many industrialized nations."

What are some alternatives to "a daunting goal"?

Alternatives include "a challenging objective", "an intimidating task", or "a formidable ambition". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a daunting challenge" or "a daunting goal"?

Both "a daunting challenge" and "a daunting goal" are correct, but they emphasize different aspects. "Challenge" highlights the difficulty itself, while "goal" emphasizes the desired outcome. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the difficulty or the objective.

What makes a goal "daunting"?

A goal is considered "daunting" when it appears difficult to achieve due to significant obstacles, risks, or the amount of effort required. It often implies a sense of being overwhelmed or intimidated by the prospect of pursuing the goal.