daunting experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "daunting experience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experience that is intimidating or overwhelming, often due to its difficulty or complexity. Example: "Starting a new job can be a daunting experience, especially when you have to learn new skills and adapt to a different work environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sukkot (the fall holiday that celebrates the refreshing if daunting experience of freedom) is more bounded.

Huffington Post

And even a big beast can find a hostile meeting – whether of the whole committee or just its elected executive – a pretty daunting experience.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking to someone is often a daunting experience especially for a new sufferer who can't understand their own behaviour but seeing or contacting a medical professional, though NHS Direct for example, allows for understanding of thoughts and behaviours.

Independent

If you've got cast-iron bargaining skills that may be the case, but for the rest of us, not knowing what things are worth, how far to negotiate, when to walk away and how much mint tea to drink can make touring the souks a daunting experience.

The Guardian - Travel

Heading out on the road can be a downright daunting experience, full of the unexpected.

Huffington Post

It's a daunting experience.

The Guardian

So choosing the right camp can be a daunting experience.

The New York Times

Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | ThursdayMondayTHE flight into Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is a daunting experience.

The Economist

She was confident soaring in the air, usually a daunting experience for a child.

The New York Times - Sports

And I remember doing the press conference and what a daunting experience that was.

The Guardian - Film

It was a daunting experience to join them as a judge.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "daunting experience", be specific about what aspects make it so. Instead of just saying "the exam was a daunting experience", explain what made it daunting: "The exam was a "daunting experience" due to the breadth of material and the time constraints."

Common error

Avoid using "daunting experience" for everyday occurrences. Save it for situations that genuinely involve significant challenge, anxiety, or intimidation. Describing a simple presentation as a "daunting experience" might undermine its impact when used for genuinely challenging situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "daunting experience" functions as an adjective-noun combination used to describe a situation or event that is intimidating, challenging, or overwhelming. It highlights the feeling of apprehension or nervousness associated with facing something difficult, as shown in many of Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "daunting experience" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that feels intimidating, challenging, or overwhelming. As demonstrated by Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and business. While "daunting experience" is widely accepted, it’s important to use it appropriately, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a description. Alternatives like "intimidating experience" or "challenging undertaking" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "daunting experience" is a versatile phrase when used thoughtfully and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intimidating experience

Focuses more on the feeling of being intimidated or threatened by the experience.

challenging undertaking

Emphasizes the difficulty and the effort required to complete the task.

formidable task

Highlights the scale and potential difficulty of the task itself.

nerve-wracking ordeal

Stresses the anxiety and stress associated with the experience.

testing time

Implies a period of significant difficulty and challenge.

difficult situation

A more general term for a situation that is hard to navigate.

tough challenge

Highlights the resilience and strength needed to overcome the challenge.

arduous undertaking

Emphasizes the strenuous effort required.

onerous task

Focuses on the burdensome or oppressive nature of the task.

trying experience

Highlights the stress and emotional strain involved.

FAQs

What's a good way to start a sentence with "daunting experience"?

You can start with "For many, a "daunting experience" is..." or "A "daunting experience" often involves..." followed by a specific scenario or feeling.

How can I use "daunting experience" in a professional context?

In professional contexts, use "daunting experience" to acknowledge challenges while emphasizing resilience. For example: "Leading the project was a "daunting experience", but it provided valuable lessons in leadership."

What are some less intense synonyms for "daunting experience"?

If you want to express a similar sentiment with less intensity, consider using "challenging experience" or "difficult situation".

Is it okay to use "daunting experience" when talking about a positive event?

While "daunting" usually has a negative connotation, it can be used for positive events if the focus is on overcoming initial apprehension. For example, "Winning the award was a "daunting experience" initially, but ultimately incredibly rewarding."