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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The prospect of any operation is daunting, yet for many, the promise of relief from pain or disability is tempered by a hope for non-surgical alternatives. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Democrats have a daunting messaging task that’s nearly as colossal as President Donald Trump’s sprawling tax and spending bill. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025 With twins attending universities in different states, Roxanne and Ken Field, who live in Santa Clarita, Calif., faced the daunting task of being in two places nearly at once. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 15 June 2025 Saturday was not exactly a daunting task for Kershaw. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for daunting

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daunting. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

daunting

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

More from Merriam-Webster on daunting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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