audacious

USAGE SUMMARY

'audacious' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is bold, daring, or fearless. Example: "She had an audacious spirit which led her to take risks most people would never consider."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For far from being Nazis, the men were Polish prisoners in stolen uniforms and a misappropriated car, who had just made one of the most audacious escapes in the history of Auschwitz.

The Guardian

An audacious search for answers amid more than a century of data, The Chimp and the River tells the haunting tale of one of the most devastating pandemics of our time.

The Guardian

If this audacious act of jugaad underwrote the entire recovery effort, its day-to-day operations relied upon another, as the movements of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donations, hot meals and pieces of construction material were tracked in a single, gigantic Google Docs spreadsheet never intended for any such purpose.

The Guardian

An audacious figure whose legacy split public opinion, Geng is nevertheless widely regarded as "highly capable".

The Guardian

But as the unravelling global economy and audacious Somali pirates took their toll on Indian Ocean shipping schedules, it became apparent that our vehicles wouldn't make it to Egypt on time.

The Guardian - Travel

Or was the liberty-taking merely the cherry on a wobbling dramatic blancmange of audacious fun?

The Guardian

The undertaking is audacious and highly ambitious, for sea ice there will be near its maximum thickness.

The Guardian

Between them are a few more audacious developments, all part of a race for ever-taller towers to distinguish luxury living in an increasingly crowded city.

The Guardian

Speaking of which … Possibly fed up with people thinking he was spending his time writing 160-word capsule reviews of Lost Natives records, in 2002 the former Rolling Stone embarked on an audacious mission to sue someone for having the same name as him.

The Guardian - Music

It might lead to a lessening of the emphasis on audacious creativity and strategic bloody-mindedness that, although it may not redound to the common good, can lead to acts of brilliance that change us all".

The Guardian

It is an audacious assembly of musicians, dancers, comedians, broadcasters, writers, van drivers, and young people who don't know what they want to do with their lives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "audacious" to describe actions or plans that are bold and unconventional, especially when they involve a significant degree of risk or challenge.

Common error

Avoid using "audacious" when describing simple acts of bravery or common efforts. Reserve it for situations where the boldness is genuinely exceptional and potentially disruptive.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "audacious" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a quality of boldness, daring, or willingness to take risks. Ludwig AI also confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "audacious" is a versatile adjective used to describe something or someone bold, daring, and willing to take risks. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically sound. The term is commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "audacious", it's important to ensure the context genuinely reflects exceptional boldness, differentiating it from simpler acts of courage or common endeavors. Alternatives like "bold", "daring", and "intrepid" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bold

Focuses on the quality of being brave and confident; less emphasis on risk-taking.

daring

Highlights a willingness to take risks and challenge conventions.

intrepid

Emphasizes fearlessness and determination in the face of adversity.

fearless

Indicates a lack of fear, highlighting courage and bravery.

venturesome

Suggests an eagerness to explore new and potentially dangerous situations.

rash

Implies excessive haste and a lack of caution, potentially leading to negative consequences.

brazen

Highlights boldness to the point of being shameless or disrespectful.

temerarious

Focuses on recklessness and a disregard for potential danger.

adventurous

Stresses a love of excitement and new experiences, often involving risk.

foolhardy

Suggests foolish risk-taking with little regard for the consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "audacious" in a sentence?

You can use "audacious" to describe someone or something that is willing to take bold risks, for example: "The company launched an audacious plan to revolutionize the industry."

What can I say instead of "audacious"?

You can use alternatives like "bold", "daring", or "intrepid" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "audacious" or "audacity"?

"Audacious" is an adjective, describing a quality, while "audacity" is a noun, referring to the quality of being audacious itself. For instance, "That was an act of audacity" uses the noun, while "That was an audacious act" uses the adjective.

What's the difference between "audacious" and "brazen"?

"Audacious" typically implies boldness and a willingness to take risks, whereas "brazen" often suggests shamelessness or impudence in addition to boldness. Thus, while both describe boldness, "brazen" carries a more negative connotation.