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

Wong embodied a model of how to reinvent oneself in the face of the most daunting societal obstacles. — Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026

Active ambivalence is the best mindset with which to approach such a daunting viewing experience. — Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026

There's also the daunting task of keeping young conservatives engaged at a time when many of them are unhappy with party leaders. — Elena Moore, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026

Part of the humor is that Pace, so physically daunting, is far less powerful than the sisters. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 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