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

High levels of cumulative stress have also been shown to accelerate the aging process in some people and make facing new stressors feel more daunting. —Emma Loewe, Outside, 24 Nov. 2025

The club announced Monday that the 40-year-old Schaeffer will be retained as manager of a team facing a daunting rebuild in 2026. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025

However, there's no denying that getting started with stargazing — and the myriad tools used to explore the night sky — can be a daunting experience for newcomers. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 15 Nov. 2025

For those ready to rejoin the world of work, easing back in gradually can make the transition less daunting. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of daunt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for daunting

• flaunting
• haunting
• shantung
• taunting
• vaunting
• wanting

Kids Definition

daunting

adjective

daunt·​ing ˈdȯnt-iŋ 

: tending to overwhelm or intimidate

a daunting task

dauntingly adverb