ENGLISH
REFERENCE

intimidating

adj.
US //ˌɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪŋ// UK //ɪntˈɪmɪdˌeɪtɪŋ// in·tim·i·dat·ing
  1. 1 frightening or overwhelming (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    making you feel nervous or worried because something is very big, difficult, or powerful.

    inducing fear or a loss of confidence through an appearance of superior strength, size, or difficulty.

    Example

    The huge library was a bit intimidating for a new student on their first day.

    Example

    The prospect of presenting her research to a panel of Nobel laureates was deeply intimidating, despite her years of preparation.
    Pitfall
    I felt very intimidating when I walked into the interview.
    I felt very intimidated when I walked into the interview.

    Use 'intimidating' to describe the thing that causes the fear (the interview) and 'intimidated' to describe how you feel.

  2. 2 threatening in manner (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing a person who acts in a way that makes others feel scared or small.

    characterised by a manner or physical presence that suggests a threat or a desire to dominate others.

    Example

    He was a tall man with a very intimidating voice that made everyone go quiet.

    Example

    The interrogator maintained an intimidating silence, leaning forward just enough to make the suspect feel physically crowded.

© 2026 English Reference