English Reference

Word

intimidating

Phoneticsin·tim·i·dat·ing, stress on the second syllable

US/ˌɪnˈtɪmɪˌdeɪtɪŋ/

UK/ɪntˈɪmɪdˌeɪtɪŋ/

Definitions

01frightening or overwhelming

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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

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

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

“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.

Synonyms

dauntingfrighteningscaryoverwhelming

Antonyms

reassuringapproachableencouraging

02threatening in manner

B2 · Upper Intermediate

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

menacingthreateningaggressive

Antonyms

friendlymeek

Real-World Examples

“A private conversation in a familiar place can make the conversation feel less intimidating, giving them the space to open up without putting them on the spot.”
The Conversation 17 Aug 2026
“At her mildest she’s irritated and unreasonable, at her worst violent and intimidating.”
The Guardian 12 Aug 2026
“This process can be intimidating , and some visitors come away feeling disrespected or treated like prisoners themselves .”
The Conversation 10 Aug 2026

This entry

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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English Reference