Words / C1

DORNT-ing/ˈdɔːntɪŋ/

Daunting means it looks difficult enough to frighten you before you start: a daunting word count, a daunting list. Intimidating is a close synonym; scary is everyday and more emotional. Daunt is a rarer verb (nothing daunted her), and undaunted is the opposite adjective. In speech, it looks like a lot or a bit scary is enough — the task can be daunting without being impossible.

Meaning

Frightening because it looks difficult.

Examples

• “A 3,000-word essay can look daunting at first.”
• “A blank page is more daunting than a bad first sentence.”
• “The form looks daunting, but half the boxes do not apply.”

Good to know

Frightening because it looks hard. Close: intimidating. Everyday: scary / a lot to face. Opposite: undaunted.

Near in meaning

intimidating

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