Word
intimidated
Phoneticsin·tim·i·dat·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪd/
UK/ɪntˈɪmɪdˌeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. feeling frightened or lacking confidence because someone else seems more powerful or talented than you.
adj. experiencing a loss of confidence or a sense of fear due to the presence of a person, environment, or task that appears overwhelming or superior.
Examples
“I felt intimidated by the large crowd.”
“New employees often feel intimidated during their first meeting with the company directors.”
“Even the most experienced debaters can feel intimidated when faced with a hostile audience and a panel of experts who disagree with every point.”
Examples
simple
“I felt intimidated by the large crowd.”
contextual
“New employees often feel intimidated during their first meeting with the company directors.”
complex
“Even the most experienced debaters can feel intimidated when faced with a hostile audience and a panel of experts who disagree with every point.”
Usage
often followed by the preposition 'by'
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse the -ed and -ing forms; remind them that 'intimidated' is the internal feeling of the person.
Pitfall
The math test was very intimidated.
The math test was very intimidating.
Use 'intimidated' to describe how a person feels. Use 'intimidating' to describe the thing that causes the fear.
Real-World Examples
“Sangster said the very reason she made the pact with Dean was because “I was super intimidated by her.” “People have been attacked and intimidated at their place of work.” 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/intimidated