Word
daunting
Phoneticsdaunt·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɔntɪŋ/
UK/dˈɔːntɪŋ/
Definition
adj. describing something that seems so difficult or big that it makes you feel nervous or less confident.
adj. describing a task or prospect that is intimidatingly large or complex, often causing apprehension.
Examples
“The mountain looked daunting in the fog.”
“Writing the thesis felt daunting until she broke it into small chapters.”
“The sheer scale of the renovation project was daunting, yet the architect’s clear plan made the work feel manageable.”
Examples
simple
“The mountain looked daunting in the fog.”
contextual
“Writing the thesis felt daunting until she broke it into small chapters.”
complex
“The sheer scale of the renovation project was daunting, yet the architect’s clear plan made the work feel manageable.”
Usage
Often used with nouns like 'task', 'prospect', 'challenge', or 'responsibility'.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'scary'. While it involves fear, it specifically refers to the fear of failing at a difficult job or being overwhelmed by a big project.
Real-World Examples
“Next is a daunting trip to Manchester City, before they host Brighton, who began the season with a 4-0 trouncing of Aston Villa .” “Here, including the daunting high-speed, downhill Turn Seven known as Scheivlak, Norris was fastest, 0.28secs quicker than Russell.” Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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