daunting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'daunting' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something difficult, intimidating, or overwhelming. Example: The project seemed daunting at first, but I eventually completed it with ease.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister for a second time, three years after being deposed, and now faces the daunting task of reworking policy and replacing more than one-third of the cabinet just months before an election.

The Guardian

Without him, though, Leonardo's task will look far more daunting.

The Guardian - Sport

In his new year message, the prime minister insists that despite daunting economic challenges the country is on the right track, with the deficit forecast to be down by a quarter compared with a year ago, and half a million more people in work.

The Guardian

Many people who read those stories want to help, but feel overwhelmed when faced with daunting problems.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The thought of having to move suddenly, or the rent going up" is hugely daunting, she says.

The Guardian

"When we were set our first essay, we were given a 10-page guide to referencing, which was a bit daunting.

The Guardian

Suddenly the idea of cycling 160 miles from London to Amsterdam over three days seemed rather daunting.

The Guardian - Travel

Even if you leave aside the historic neuralgia that these places hold for a lot of nationalist-minded Irish people, the sheer logistical and security challenges they pose are daunting.

The Guardian

He admits that until now the prospect of spending £100,000 has been "daunting" and "out of my league", but the Elstones believe they are now at the foot of the feted property ladder, and may well purchase something soon.

The Guardian

As a result, there has been a lot of talk about how local governments can use the SDGs, but when contexts vary significantly from one country to the other, and even within countries, the idea of "localising" the SDGs can seem daunting.

The Guardian

Jürgen Klopp's job, by contrast, appears a little less daunting.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "daunting", consider the specific emotion or challenge you want to convey. Choose synonyms that more accurately reflect the nuance of the situation. For example, use "intimidating" if you want to emphasize fear or "challenging" if you want to focus on difficulty.

Common error

While "daunting" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for stronger synonyms like "formidable" or more precise terms that better capture the specific challenge.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "daunting" is as an adjective. It typically modifies a noun, describing it as something that is intimidating, challenging, or discouraging. Ludwig examples confirm its use to describe "task", "prospect", or "challenge".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "daunting" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is challenging and potentially discouraging. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate in various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. To enhance your writing, consider synonyms like "intimidating" or "challenging" for nuance. Remember that overusing "daunting" can weaken your writing, so choose the most precise word to convey your intended meaning. The most authoritative sources for "daunting" are primarily news outlets such as The Guardian and The Economist. Avoid underestimating your tasks and keep writing!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimidating

Focuses more on the feeling of fear or apprehension that something inspires.

formidable

Emphasizes the impressive or challenging nature of something.

challenging

A more neutral term, focusing on the difficulty of a task.

overwhelming

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or unable to cope with something.

difficult

A general term for something not easy to accomplish.

arduous

Implies a task that requires great effort and endurance.

laborious

Similar to arduous, but emphasizes the physical effort involved.

taxing

Focuses on the draining or burdensome aspect of something.

demanding

Highlights the high requirements or expectations of something.

herculean

Refers to something requiring immense strength and effort, like the tasks of Hercules.

FAQs

How can I use "daunting" in a sentence?

Use "daunting" to describe something that seems difficult to deal with in a way that discourages or frightens you. For example, "The prospect of public speaking was quite daunting."

What words can I use instead of "daunting"?

You can use alternatives like "intimidating", "formidable", or "challenging", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a daunting task"?

Yes, "a daunting task" is a common and grammatically correct expression. It means a task that seems difficult and likely to discourage or frighten you.

What's the difference between "daunting" and "difficult"?

"Difficult" is a general term for something not easy. "Daunting" implies that something is not only difficult but also intimidating or discouraging. Something "daunting" can be difficult, but also make you feel afraid or unenthusiastic about starting.