daunting

1 of 2

adjective

daunt·​ing ˈdȯn-tiŋ 

ˈdän-

: tending to overwhelm or intimidate

a daunting task

dauntingly

ˈdȯn-tiŋ-lē 

ˈdän-

adverb

daunting

2 of 2

present participle of daunt

Examples of daunting in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

The pullout, however, leaves a new Iraqi government with the daunting task of loosening Iran’s grip on its neighbor, which has long been trapped in a cycle of sectarianism, foreign meddling and civil conflict. — Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026

Berkowitz was inspired and encouraged by Taylor, who died in 2011 at age 79, to start her own law firm, a daunting task at the time but one that became possible with a proposition from the actress. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2026

Keeping that series on the air, let alone growing its audience over time, can be a daunting task. — Andrew Wallenstein, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

By splitting the investment among brands, factory owners and concessional climate funds, the report argues, the cost to each party becomes less daunting. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

from present participle of daunt

First Known Use

Adjective

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