a daunting problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a daunting problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem that is intimidating or overwhelming in nature. Example: "The team faced a daunting problem when they discovered the project's budget had been drastically cut."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The weapons saturating the country pose a daunting problem for American military officers and the new chief of the Haitian police.

The New York Times

"It is a daunting problem, and it has been a recalcitrant problem," Dr. Jernigan said.

The New York Times

It's like a reprieve, as if a daunting problem had unexpectedly turned out to be easy.

The New Yorker

But quantity is a daunting problem at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia, where Mr. Domingo was singing in the Verdi rarity "I Due Foscari".

The New York Times - Arts

A decade after the genocide, the country faced a daunting problem: its jails were stuffed with more than 150,000 Hutus accused of killings, overwhelming the justice system.

The Guardian

As officials in Japan agonize over what constitutes a safe radiation dose for people who live near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors, the state of the science has been a daunting problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

And another daunting problem presented itself: where to stash a set of four 5-by-7-foot plugs during the day?

The New York Times

As we face an era of daunting problems including population growth, changing energy balances, urban densification, and climate change, the need for solutions has never been more pressing.

The Guardian

Mr. Cuomo is taking office at a time when the state faces daunting problems and the public expresses little confidence that its political leaders can solve them.

The New York Times

Every option – carbon capture and storage to reduce coal-fired power stations' emissions, expanding wind and solar power, developing other renewables such as tidal power, cutting consumption and bringing new nuclear capacity on stream – each has its own daunting problems, although some look a lot cheaper to fix than others.

The Guardian - Opinion

Escape of truly unmodified primitive melts to the surface is a rare event, requiring the resolution of daunting problems in chemical and mechanical engineering.

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a daunting problem", ensure the context clearly establishes why the problem is intimidating or overwhelming. For example, specify the scope, complexity, or potential consequences of the problem to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a daunting problem" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler terms like "difficult issue" or "big challenge" would be more appropriate. "Daunting" carries a level of formality that may seem out of place in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a daunting problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "daunting" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". It describes a specific type of problem characterized by its intimidating or overwhelming nature. Ludwig's AI confirms its proper use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a daunting problem" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe a problem that is intimidating or overwhelming. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical accuracy and widespread use in various contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the level of formality when using the phrase, as simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in informal settings. Related phrases like "a formidable challenge" or "a significant obstacle" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. This exploration aims to equip writers with a deeper understanding of "a daunting problem", enabling them to use it effectively and appropriately in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", emphasizing the need for effort and skill to overcome it. It also enhances the sense of competition.

a significant obstacle

Substitutes "problem" with "obstacle", highlighting something that blocks progress.

a major difficulty

Uses "difficulty" instead of "problem", focusing on the aspect of being hard to deal with or overcome.

a tough situation

Replaces both "daunting" and "problem" to provide a more general and less formal description of the issue.

a complex issue

Focuses on the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the problem, suggesting it requires careful consideration.

a considerable hurdle

Emphasizes the effort required to overcome the problem, presenting it as a barrier to jump over.

an uphill battle

Implies a struggle against significant resistance, changing the problem into a metaphor of persistent effort.

a Herculean task

Conveys the immense effort required to solve the problem, alluding to the labors of Hercules.

a serious predicament

Highlights the potentially negative or dangerous consequences associated with the problem.

a knotty question

Indicates a problem that is intricate and hard to resolve, like untangling a knot.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a daunting problem" in a sentence?

Use "a daunting problem" to describe situations where the issue seems overwhelming due to its complexity, size, or potential impact. For example: "Climate change presents "a daunting problem" for future generations."

What are some alternatives to "a daunting problem"?

You can use alternatives such as "a formidable challenge", "a significant obstacle", or "a major difficulty" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a daunting problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a daunting problem" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where complex or challenging issues are discussed. It adds a level of seriousness and weight to the issue being described.

What makes "a daunting problem" different from "a difficult problem"?

"A difficult problem" simply indicates something hard to solve. "A daunting problem" implies that the difficulty is so significant that it causes apprehension or discouragement. The word "daunting" emphasizes the emotional impact of the problem.