intimidating situation

USAGE SUMMARY

"intimidating situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation which makes someone feel scared or uncertain due to the presence of something or someone that is threatening. Example: He found himself in an intimidating situation when the school bullies surrounded him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It was an intimidating situation," Mr. Peterson said.

The New York Times

Faced with an unfamiliar or intimidating situation, they may well feel uncomfortable voicing their thoughts and opinions.

The Guardian

His backup, Clint Trickett, threw a tying 56-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Sooners, but starting for the first time in a tough road environment could be an intimidating situation.

The New York Times

The jury heard that it was an "intimidating situation... where you've got somebody of that rank wanting me to do something that I didn't want to do, that I felt uncomfortable with".

BBC

It was an intimidating situation, just thinking about it," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Not because she's an intimidating and mean person by any stretch, but it's just a very intimidating situation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The participants in the FGDs were kept to similar training backgrounds to avoid intimidating situations between the primary care doctors with post-graduate training and junior primary care doctors.

BMC Family Practice

"It's a surprise to be in this position," Deco said of the club's erratic progress in group A of the Champions League, "because we have lost just one game [in Rome]." It is, in practice, not so very intimidating a situation.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, they appear intent on destabilising the fragile political situation, intimidating pro-Ukraine groups and creating an atmosphere of fear.

The Guardian

"Because you got out of college feeling that you were capable of anything and not intimidated by situations where you were in the minority".

The New York Times

"I can feel intimidated in situations I don't feel confident in," Reznor remembered of his initial meetings with Fincher for "The Social Network".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "intimidating situation", be specific about what makes it intimidating. Provide details about the power dynamics, the setting, or the potential consequences.

Common error

While "intimidating situation" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "daunting scenario" or "challenging predicament" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intimidating situation" functions as an adjective-noun combination where "intimidating" modifies "situation". It describes the qualitative nature of the situation, indicating it evokes feelings of fear or unease, supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intimidating situation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a scenario that evokes feelings of fear or unease. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it’s important to consider the context and audience, opting for synonyms like "daunting scenario" or "challenging predicament" to avoid repetition. Primarily found in news and media, the phrase serves to categorize circumstances likely to cause apprehension. Be specific when describing what makes a situation intimidating to provide a clear and impactful message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

daunting scenario

Emphasizes the challenging or formidable aspect of the situation.

unnerving circumstance

Focuses on the anxiety or nervousness the situation provokes.

challenging predicament

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the situation.

formidable set of conditions

Stresses the imposing and potentially overwhelming nature of the situation.

threatening environment

Indicates a situation where there is a perceived danger or risk.

difficult position

Suggests a state of affairs that requires careful handling.

precarious state

Implies instability and potential for negative outcomes.

alarming state of affairs

Emphasizes the concerning and potentially dangerous nature of the situation.

tense circumstances

Highlights the high level of stress and anxiety associated with the situation.

scary predicament

Emphasizes the fear-inducing nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "intimidating situation" in a sentence?

You can use "intimidating situation" to describe circumstances that cause fear, anxiety, or unease. For example: "The job interview was an intimidating situation due to the panel of stern-looking executives."

What are some alternatives to "intimidating situation"?

You can use alternatives like "daunting scenario", "unnerving circumstance", or "challenging predicament depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "intimidating situation"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey. In formal writing, a more nuanced phrase like "formidable set of conditions" might be preferable.

What makes a situation qualify as an "intimidating situation"?

An "intimidating situation" typically involves an imbalance of power, perceived threats, or the potential for negative consequences, leading to feelings of fear or unease.