daunting

adjective

daunt·​ing ˈdȯn-tiŋ 

ˈdän-

: tending to overwhelm or intimidate

a daunting task

dauntingly

ˈdȯn-tiŋ-lē 

ˈdän-

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

But breaking away from the NCAA and creating their own rules might sound like a daunting task for a conference that some think are trying to buck the system. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

The new 15th plays in an easterly direction, unlike any other Par 3, and features the largest green on the course, but it is designed to run the ball in and can stretch to a daunting 241 yards. — Gregg Evans, New York Times, 17 July 2026

Of course, the daunting task of defeating Spain would still have awaited them in Sunday’s final. — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026

By clearing out the visual noise, what’s left is a more manageable space filled only with items that belong—making the next steps feel far less daunting. — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 16 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of daunt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for daunting

• flaunting
• haunting
• taunting
• vaunting
• wanting

Kids Definition

daunting

adjective

daunt·​ing ˈdȯnt-iŋ 

: tending to overwhelm or intimidate

a daunting task

dauntingly adverb