daunting number

USAGE SUMMARY

'daunting number' is a correct and usable phrase in written English and can be used to express an amount of something that seems intimidating due to its size.
For example, "The daunting number of components required for the project left me feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Alberto Barbera, artistic director of the Venice festival, said that he and his staff had sifted through 177 Italian feature films submitted for entry this year, "an enormous, daunting number that is even a bit inexplicable".

The Guardian - Film

My girlfriend Sara Pascoe has read a daunting number of books, and her own book Animal: The Autobiography Of A Female Body, is the funniest book I have ever read.

The Guardian

Qualcomm faces a daunting number of challenges, including a potential takeover battle waged by the spurned son of its founder.

TechCrunch

As if investors dont have enough to worry about, Paulos believes the omission makes an already daunting number appear even more ominous.

Forbes

In a Quinnipiac poll of swing states released this week, 69% of Ohio voters said they didn't think Clinton was honest and trustworthy, a daunting number.

Los Angeles Times

I had set records for the school there, but a 200-mph average would mean getting around the 1.455-mile 1.455-mileder 27 secoval, a bin, daunderg number.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

There is almost no gender gap between ideologically moderate men and moderate women of all races, but Obama's advantages among both groups, 62-36 (men) and 62-32 (women) are daunting numbers for the Republican candidate.

The New York Times

Williams, who did just enough in a disappointing match, has lost only 16 games in 12 sets, inflicting five bagels on her opponents, daunting numbers for Azarenka to contemplate.

The Guardian - Sport

For the last half-century, Mrs. Meyyappan has called on a cook contractor called Natesan, a sturdily built man of 87 whose cool confidence in the face of daunting numbers comes of cooking for more than 65 years.

The New York Times - Food

Through a combination of effective tactics, daunting numbers and — significantly — restraint by both sides, police managed to bring the encampment to a largely peaceful end, avoiding the melees that marred the eviction of protesters from similar camps in Oakland, New York and elsewhere.

Los Angeles Times

1 Tough Times for Oregon Town The national economic slump has spread to towns like Corvallis, where the abstractions of daunting budget numbers have become personal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "daunting number" to convey a sense of being overwhelmed by a large quantity. For example, "The daunting number of applications made the selection process challenging."

Common error

Avoid using "daunting number" when a simple 'large number' will suffice. "Daunting" implies a sense of being overwhelmed or intimidated. If the number is simply large without causing apprehension, a different adjective might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "daunting number" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "daunting" modifies the noun "number". This construction typically describes a quantity that appears intimidating or overwhelming. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "daunting number" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a quantity that is perceived as overwhelming or intimidating. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, where it effectively conveys the scale and potential challenges associated with large numbers. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the number genuinely evokes a sense of being overwhelmed, differentiating it from a mere 'large number'. Alternatives like "discouraging number", "frightening number", and "overwhelming quantity" offer similar meanings, but it's important to choose the word that best aligns with the specific nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Discouraging number

Emphasizes the disheartening aspect of the quantity.

Frightening number

Highlights the fear or apprehension caused by the quantity.

Overwhelming quantity

Focuses on the feeling of being burdened or submerged by the amount.

Intimidating amount

Stresses the feeling of being threatened or made uneasy by the quantity.

Formidable sum

Emphasizes the impressiveness and potential challenge of the total.

Considerable figure

Highlights the noteworthiness of the numerical value.

Substantial quantity

Emphasizes the largeness and significance of the amount.

Impressive volume

Focuses on the sheer size and impact of the quantity.

Challenging amount

Emphasizes the difficulty one might face when dealing with this quantity.

Significant figure

Highlights the importance of the value.

FAQs

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

You can use "daunting number" to describe a quantity that seems overwhelming or intimidating. For example, "The company faced a daunting number of lawsuits after the product recall."

What are some synonyms for "daunting number"?

Some alternatives include "discouraging number", "frightening number", or "overwhelming quantity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "daunting number"?

No, "daunting number" is most appropriate when the quantity is not only large but also presents a significant challenge or source of worry. Consider whether the emotional impact of the number is relevant to your message.

What's the difference between "daunting number" and "large number"?

"Large number" simply indicates a high quantity, while "daunting number" implies that the quantity is so large that it creates a feeling of being overwhelmed or intimidated. The former is neutral, while the latter carries a negative connotation.