daunting question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "daunting question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a question that is intimidating or challenging to answer, often due to its complexity or the implications of the answer. Example: "The interviewer posed a daunting question about my long-term career goals, leaving me momentarily speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Yet exceeding still-unwritten flood standards is a ruefully far-fetched notion for New York and New Jersey residents, for whom mountains of ruined possessions are the immediate reality and rebuilding at all is a financially daunting question.

The New York Times

It is a daunting question – but we can take consolation from the fact that, by the time we reach the end of this remarkable, powerful collection, Tempest has answered it convincingly, for herself at least.

The Guardian

This is a daunting question.

Huffington Post

In divorce negotiations many parents face the daunting question of how to pay for college.

Huffington Post

And as the CEO of that venture, each job seeker must ask a simple yet daunting question: Would you hire you?

Huffington Post

When people of the likes of my best friends, journalists, or even my parents ask the daunting question of "What's next?" I'm somewhat dumbfounded on what to say.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Nonetheless, daunting questions hover over its ambitious agenda, and over the entire industry.

The New Yorker

Daunting questions that most of my peers won't have to consider for many more years have become my urgent, everyday concerns: How will I hold onto health insurance if I'm unable to work?

The New York Times

McDonald's describes all these changes as an attempt to "reassert" itself as "a modern, progressive burger company.'' Nonetheless, daunting questions hover over its ambitious agenda, and over the entire industry.

The New Yorker

As a counter-weight to apocalyptic fatalism, Lewis proposed apocalyptic realism.That frame of mind might be a healthy starting point for anyone who feels obliged, either in a professional or private capacity, to wrestle with big, daunting questions like strategic arms control, energy security or the conservation of flora and fauna.

The Economist

Daunting questions loom large concerning delivery of vaccines to those populations that need it the most.

Vaccine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "daunting question", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to emphasize fear or unease, "intimidating question" might be more appropriate. If you want to focus on the complexity, "complex question" could be a better fit.

Common error

Avoid using "daunting question" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging question" or "complex issue" to keep the text engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "daunting question" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "daunting" modifies the noun "question". It serves to characterize the question as intimidating or challenging, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "daunting question" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a question that feels challenging or intimidating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse sources such as news media, scientific articles, and formal business documents. When writing, consider synonyms like "challenging question" or "complex question" for variety. Remember that while "daunting" indicates difficulty, synonyms can help you specify the type of difficulty. Avoid overusing the phrase and ensure that you're using it in the context where the question truly presents a notable challenge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging question

Replaces "daunting" with a synonym that also emphasizes difficulty.

intimidating question

Focuses on the feeling of unease or fear the question might inspire.

formidable question

Highlights the significant challenge the question poses.

difficult question to answer

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the difficulty in providing a response.

complex question

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the question.

thorny question

Implies the question is problematic and may lead to conflict.

vexing question

Suggests the question is causing worry or annoyance.

pressing question

Highlights the urgency or importance of the question.

critical question

Underscores the crucial nature of the question and its implications.

problematic question

Focuses on the troublesome aspects or implications of the question.

FAQs

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

You can use "daunting question" to describe a question that seems difficult or intimidating to answer, such as: "The job interview included a "daunting question" about my biggest weaknesses."

What can I say instead of "daunting question"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging question", "intimidating question", or "complex question" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "daunting question" or "daunted question"?

"Daunting question" is correct. "Daunting" is an adjective describing the question's nature. "Daunted" is a verb, meaning discouraged or intimidated, and doesn't fit this context.

Is "daunting question" formal or informal?

"Daunting question" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.