Need another word for Daunting? Use these synonyms of Daunting from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
intimidating
overwhelming
discouraging
disheartening
demoralizing
frightening
alarming
unnerving
unsettling
perturbing
distressing
formidable
challenging
difficult
arduous
strenuous
exacting
demanding
taxing
trying
tough
rugged
harsh
severe
formidable
fearsome
forbidding
off-putting
uninviting
unwelcoming
unappealing
Meaning of Daunting
The primary meaning of the word "daunting" is to inspire a feeling of fear or intimidation, often because a task or situation seems too difficult to handle.
Definitions
- Causing someone to feel anxious or intimidated, typically because a task or situation seems too difficult to handle
- Inspiring a feeling of fear or apprehension, often because of the scale or complexity of a task
Etymology of Daunting
The word "daunting" originates from the Old English words "duntian" or "dunton," which mean to intimidate or subdue, and the suffix "-ing" which forms a present participle
Historically, the word has been used to describe something that inspires fear or discouragement, often due to its perceived difficulty or scale
Example Uses
- The thought of public speaking can be daunting for many people
- The daunting task of climbing Mount Everest requires extensive training and preparation
- The new employee found the workload daunting, but was determined to learn and adapt
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
encouraging
uplifting
heartening
reassuring
comforting
soothing
calming
peaceful
serene
tranquil
undaunting
inviting
welcoming
appealing
straightforward
easy
simple
effortless
manageable
feasible
achievable
accessible