formidable career

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable career" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a career that is impressive, inspiring, or significant in some way. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, she has built a formidable career in the field of medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

At the age of 18 the strengths that were to shape her formidable career were already noticeably present.

The Economist

McEwan's novel, regarded by a number of critics as the masterpiece of an already formidable career, was second favourite at 15-8.

The Guardian

Aside from his formidable career at the pork barrel, Stevens's legislative record was almost entirely focused on Alaska, especially its oil and fishing industries.

The Guardian

Whatever you call it, Brooks has made a formidable career out of his affection for others' work; a biographer should respect his sources as well.

The New York Times - Books

He also had a formidable career of public service; in 1931 he had drafted A National Plan for Britain, which led to the foundation of Political and Economic Planning (PEP).

The Guardian

Louise Erdrich is an industrious writer who has built herself a formidable career over the past 20 years, carving out what amounts to a personal literary fief in her native region, the prairie lands of the upper Midwest.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Call it a footnote to two amazingly formidable careers.

The New York Times - Sports

Honorable mentions go to Nick Lowe, Hayes Carll, Jackie Oates and Ry Cooder; formal farewells to Glen Campbell and Etta James who signed off on formidable careers with fine digitised adieux.

Independent

Since "Key & Peele" ended, in 2015, Key and his comedy partner, Jordan Peele, have both gone on to formidable careers of their own.

The New Yorker

"He'll be surrounded by people who have had longer and more formidable careers than he's had — many of whom no doubt believe they can do a better job as prime minister.

The New York Times

They provide classes in computer programming, mobile app development, robotics and other STEM-related fields for girls aged 7-17, lighting a fire that will hopefully prepare them for formidable careers in an increasingly tech-centric world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While "formidable" can mean impressive, it can also imply a sense of challenge or even intimidation. Ensure the connotation aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

While "formidable" is a strong word, overuse can dilute its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "impressive career" or "distinguished career" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable career" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "career". It typically serves to characterize a professional path marked by significant achievements and influence. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

15%

Music

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formidable career" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a professional path distinguished by significant accomplishments and respect. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase typically conveys admiration for someone's achievements, emphasizing the potentially challenging aspects of their professional journey. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media, but it also appears in contexts related to Books and Music. Alternative phrases, such as "impressive career" or "distinguished career", can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using "formidable career", be mindful of potential overuse and consider the subtle implications of challenge and respect that the word "formidable" carries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impressive career

Replaces "formidable" with a more general term of admiration.

distinguished career

Highlights the respect and honor associated with the career.

successful career

Focuses on the achievement and positive outcomes of the career.

remarkable career

Emphasizes the unusual and noteworthy nature of the career.

outstanding career

Highlights the exceptional qualities of the career.

illustrious career

Suggests a career filled with fame and recognition.

notable career

Indicates that the career is worthy of attention.

prominent career

Suggests the career has a high profile and is well-known.

significant career

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the career.

triumphant career

Focuses on overcoming obstacles and achieving victory in the career.

FAQs

How can I use "formidable career" in a sentence?

You can use "formidable career" to describe someone who has had a very successful and impressive professional life. For example, "She has built a "formidable career" as a lawyer, winning many high-profile cases."

What are some synonyms for "formidable career"?

Alternatives include "impressive career", "distinguished career", or "remarkable career", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "formidable career" a positive or negative description?

Generally, "formidable" is positive, implying respect and admiration. However, it can also suggest a sense of being challenging or daunting, so consider the context. It's very close to "powerful career".

What kind of careers are typically described as "formidable"?

Careers in fields that require significant skill, dedication, and achievement, such as law, medicine, politics, or academia, are often described as "formidable". This highlights their "successful career" and impact.