daunting obstacles

USAGE SUMMARY

"daunting obstacles" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe challenges or difficulties that are intimidating or overwhelming. For example: - "Despite facing daunting obstacles, she persisted in pursuing her dreams." - "The team was able to overcome the daunting obstacles in their path and reach the summit." - "The road to success is often filled with daunting obstacles, but it's important to never give up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The African Union's plan faces daunting obstacles.

The New York Times

There is no doubt there are daunting obstacles ahead.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the attorney general's office faces daunting obstacles.

The New York Times

She also said service members overseas faced sometimes daunting obstacles in voting.

The New York Times

The report pointed out that Mr Bloomberg would face daunting obstacles in a presidential campaign.

Independent

But in the end, the disparate protest groups face daunting obstacles.

The New York Times

IMPUNITY and euphemism used to be daunting obstacles for graft-busters.

The Economist

Even so, the likes of Alcoa and Thomson face daunting obstacles.

The Economist

But it is also reflects the daunting obstacles women continue to face in the private sector.

The New York Times

None of this is to deny that New York faces daunting obstacles to its revival.

The New York Times - Magazine

Between Ozersk and an explosion in an American city lies an epic string of daunting obstacles.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "daunting obstacles", ensure the context clearly establishes what is making the obstacles intimidating. Be specific about the nature of the challenges to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "daunting obstacles" when the challenges are already understood to be significant. The phrase is most effective when it adds emphasis to the magnitude or intimidating nature of the difficulties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "daunting obstacles" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes challenges that are intimidating and potentially discouraging. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "daunting obstacles" effectively conveys significant and intimidating challenges. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, this phrase serves to emphasize the magnitude and potentially discouraging nature of the difficulties encountered. When employing "daunting obstacles", specificity enhances its impact, and awareness of its formal tone ensures appropriate application. While synonyms like "formidable challenges" offer alternatives, the original phrase remains a powerful and widely recognized expression for substantial impediments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable challenges

Replaces "obstacles" with "challenges", emphasizing the demanding nature of the difficulties.

overwhelming challenges

Highlights the feeling of being overburdened by the difficulties, stressing their emotional impact.

insurmountable barriers

Suggests the obstacles are nearly impossible to overcome, highlighting their prohibitive nature.

significant impediments

Uses "impediments" to denote obstructions, maintaining a formal tone and emphasizing the substantial impact.

major hurdles

Employs a more metaphorical term, "hurdles", to depict the obstacles as challenges to be jumped over.

severe setbacks

Focuses on the negative impact of the obstacles, portraying them as events that delay or reverse progress.

massive difficulties

Emphasizes the large scale and complexity of the problems faced.

tough challenges

Employs "tough" for a less formal tone, indicating the difficulties require resilience and effort to overcome.

complex problems

Shifts the focus to the intricate nature of the issues, emphasizing the need for careful analysis and solutions.

prohibitive factors

Highlights the capacity of these factors to act as a restraint, discouraging progress or action.

FAQs

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

Use "daunting obstacles" to describe challenges that appear overwhelming or intimidating. For example, "Despite the "daunting obstacles", the team persevered" or "The project faces "daunting obstacles" due to budget constraints."

What are some synonyms for "daunting obstacles"?

Alternatives include "formidable challenges", "insurmountable barriers", "significant impediments", or "major hurdles". Choose the synonym that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "daunting obstacles" in formal writing?

Yes, "daunting obstacles" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific context and audience. If a more impactful phrase is needed, consider synonyms like "formidable challenges" or "significant impediments".

What makes "daunting obstacles" different from "difficult challenges"?

"Daunting obstacles" implies a higher degree of intimidation and potential discouragement compared to "difficult challenges". "Daunting" suggests that the obstacles are so significant they might deter someone from proceeding, while "difficult" simply indicates that effort is required.