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

The regular-season schedule takes on an easier appearance, but the playoffs won’t be any less daunting. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025

Transfer Your Toiletries to Smaller Containers Packing a toiletry bag can be a daunting task. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025

Finding the right gift for everyone on your list can feel like a daunting task, but Oprah’s Favorite Things list is a great place to start. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

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

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