intimidating

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "intimidating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or a person that brings about a feeling of fear or respect. Example: I find the professor's intense stare quite intimidating.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said that although none of the defendants were themselves intimidating towards staff, they were aware, he said, that methods of intimidation were being used and refused to disassociate themselves from the action by leaving the store.

The Guardian

Suspicion is growing that the establishment, including 'securocrats' who want to be free to bug and tap without scrutiny, are intimidating journalists in the hope of evading public accountability.

The Guardian

In this Top of the Pops performance, Van the Man has removed his trademark hat and shades, probably to seem a little less intimidating.

The Guardian - Music

I think she was being overly friendly but that was intimidating.

The Guardian - Music

But it feels like the daily default of anonymity is now out of date, sabotaging otherwise interesting stories that deserve input, and creating an intimidating environment for readers that are deterred from making a valuable contribution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its cosmopolitan vibe (all those students from London with their outlandish hair and clothes and their universal love of Joni Mitchell) may have been intimidating, but I didn't have to apologise for my accent or love of theatre any more.

The Guardian - Film

He needs to be careful, with the possibility of a suspension hanging over him from last season, when he was found guilty of "intimidating behaviour" in a game against Worcestershire.

The Guardian - Sport

Mills gained a reward for intimidating bowling here.

The Guardian - Sport

They jostled and shouted at women, made offensive, frightening and misleading statements, and were so intimidating that some patients had been deterred from attending the clinic at all, Hanks said.

The Guardian

Yet, after five years of the Tea Party intimidating the Republican mainstream – and much of Washington – a concerted fight-back by GOP leaders appears to be doing just that: treading on the ambitions of the Tea Party, not only in North Carolina, but potentially a slew of other upcoming primary races too.

The Guardian

The "what are you going to do with your life?" question pops up at a worryingly young age, and while it's wonderful if you have a clear passion and vision for your career path, it can be hugely intimidating for those of us who have never really had a clue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intimidating" to describe environments or situations that create unease or apprehension. For instance, "The interview process was incredibly intimidating."

Common error

Avoid using "intimidating" as a generic descriptor without explaining what specifically makes something intimidating. Provide details to enhance the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "intimidating" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes fear or apprehension. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, demonstrating it across numerous examples. It expresses a quality that evokes a feeling of being overwhelmed or threatened.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intimidating" is a versatile adjective used to describe entities that evoke feelings of fear, respect, or apprehension. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. When using "intimidating", it's essential to provide sufficient context to clarify the specific source of the feeling. Consider alternatives such as "threatening", "daunting", or "formidable" to fine-tune your message. Steer clear of overusing "intimidating" without detailed explanation. The word's pervasive usage and adaptability across both formal and informal settings make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Remember, mastering context is key to wielding the power of the word "intimidating" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frightening

Directly relates to causing fear or terror.

threatening

Focuses on the potential for harm or negative consequences, emphasizing the creation of fear.

scary

A more casual term for causing fear.

daunting

Highlights the discouraging or overwhelming nature of something, making it seem difficult to face.

formidable

Emphasizes the powerful and impressive quality that inspires respect or fear.

unnerving

Describes something that makes one feel anxious or uneasy.

menacing

Suggests an impending threat or danger, creating a sense of unease.

disconcerting

Focuses on the feeling of being unsettled or confused.

alarming

Indicates a sudden awareness of danger or something unsettling, causing worry.

imposing

Highlights the impressive and often overwhelming size or presence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "intimidating" in a sentence?

You can use "intimidating" to describe someone or something that causes fear or apprehension. For example, "The professor's reputation was quite intimidating." Or, "The sheer size of the task was intimidating."

What are some synonyms for "intimidating"?

Alternatives to "intimidating" include "threatening", "daunting", or "formidable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the word "intimidating"?

"Intimidating" is appropriate when you want to convey a sense of fear, unease, or respect caused by someone or something. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "intimidating" and "threatening"?

"Intimidating" suggests causing fear or a feeling of being overwhelmed, while "threatening" implies a direct intention to cause harm or negative consequences. "Intimidating" can be unintentional, whereas "threatening" is generally deliberate.