feel intimidated

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel intimidated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express feeling uneasy or inadequate in the presence of someone or something. For example, "I felt intimidated by the collective brilliance of the panelists during the lecture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did I feel intimidated?

The New York Times

If you feel intimidated, don't be.

The New York Times

Mr. Méndez de Vigo professed not to feel intimidated, however.

The New York Times

"Clients feel intimidated".

Forbes

The woman told the interviewing officer she had not previously come forward "because I feel intimidated".

BBC

Should you feel intimidated?

Huffington Post

Many spouses feel intimidated to do so.

HuffPost

"I hope they didn't feel intimidated," she replies ruefully.

Los Angeles Times

peers to feel intimidated sharing their political ideas in class.

Los Angeles Times

Brie: I didn't feel intimidated, I felt very driven.

Huffington Post

I feel intimidated: the bikes so tall, me so small.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the power dynamics at play. "Feel intimidated" often arises in situations where there's a perceived imbalance of authority or expertise. Ensure your language is sensitive to this.

Common error

Avoid using "feel intimidated" vaguely. Be clear about what or whom you are feeling intimidated by. Unclear attribution can confuse the reader and weaken your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel intimidated" functions as a verb phrase indicating a subjective emotional state. Ludwig provides many examples from varied sources, confirming that this phrase is a standard way to express a sense of unease or apprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel intimidated" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a sense of unease, apprehension, or fear in response to perceived power dynamics or challenges. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and even informal contexts like wikis. While synonyms like ""feel threatened"" or ""feel overwhelmed"" offer alternative ways to express similar emotions, "feel intimidated" specifically captures the feeling of being cowed by someone or something. Remember to clearly attribute the source of your intimidation to avoid vagueness. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and correct grammatical structure, making it a reliable choice for expressing this particular emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel threatened

This alternative suggests a stronger sense of potential danger or harm, rather than just unease.

feel uneasy

This implies a general sense of discomfort or apprehension, which can be a component of feeling intimidated.

feel daunted

This suggests a feeling of being discouraged or overcome by something challenging.

feel overwhelmed

This phrase indicates a feeling of being burdened or stressed, which can sometimes lead to feeling intimidated.

feel apprehensive

This alternative emphasizes a sense of worry or anxiety about something that might happen.

feel insecure

This suggests a lack of confidence or self-assurance, which can contribute to feeling intimidated.

feel vulnerable

This suggests a feeling of being exposed or unprotected.

feel inferior

This implies a belief that one is lower in status or ability compared to others.

feel discouraged

This alternative implies a loss of confidence or motivation due to perceived challenges or threats.

feel small

This phrase conveys a sense of insignificance or lack of importance.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel intimidated"?

To "feel intimidated" means to experience a sense of unease, apprehension, or fear, often in the presence of someone or something perceived as powerful, superior, or threatening.

How can I use "feel intimidated" in a sentence?

You can use "feel intimidated" to describe a personal experience, such as "I "feel intimidated" when speaking in public" or "She "felt intimidated" by the CEO's presence".

What are some synonyms for "feel intimidated"?

Synonyms for "feel intimidated" include "feel threatened", "feel overwhelmed", and "feel daunted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "feel intimidated"?

While often negative, "feel intimidated" can sometimes be a catalyst for growth. Recognizing your intimidation can motivate you to overcome challenges and improve your skills. It becomes negative when it hinders your progress.