daunting

adjective

daunt·​ing ˈdȯn-tiŋ How to pronounce daunting (audio)
ˈdän-
: tending to overwhelm or intimidate
a daunting task
dauntingly adverb

Examples of daunting in a Sentence

Few things are more daunting than having to speak in front of a large crowd. Shakespeare's plays can be daunting for a young reader.
Recent Examples on the Web The process of having your child evaluated for learning disabilities, meeting with the school, interpreting test results, and deciding how to help your child can be daunting. Suzie Glassman, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 This is not at all daunting to director Kerry Meads. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 As is the case with most cast iron cookware, care can be a bit daunting. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 Those same issues, Childress noted, have proved daunting for Stanford’s football program. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2024 This specialized legal professional is not only versed in the intricacies of tax codes but also possesses the authority to represent clients in tax court, offering a shield against the daunting aspects of tax disputes and liabilities. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Successfully building a digital curb may appear to be a daunting task with miles of curbs to cover and transform. Regina Clewlow, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 In California’s tight rental market, apartment hunting is a daunting task. Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 Parking fees can be daunting to even average earners in expensive cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'daunting.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see daunt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daunting was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near daunting

Cite this Entry

“Daunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daunting. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

daunting

adjective
daunt·​ing ˈdȯnt-iŋ How to pronounce daunting (audio)
: tending to overwhelm or intimidate
a daunting task
dauntingly adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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