daunting

adjective

daunt·​ing ˈdȯn-tiŋ How to pronounce daunting (audio)
ˈdän-
: tending to overwhelm or intimidate
a daunting task
dauntingly adverb

Examples of daunting in a Sentence

Few things are more daunting than having to speak in front of a large crowd. Shakespeare's plays can be daunting for a young reader.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of course, the idea of hauling your stroller into a cramped cafe or dealing with a shrieking baby at a girls’ lunch can be daunting for new parents. Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025 Take The First Step Toward AI Adoption The journey to integrating AI into your business doesn’t have to be daunting. Vamsi Krishna Dhakshinadhi, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025 Between those are visits from Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets (fifth-best record in the NBA entering Wednesday) and LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers (seventh-best), plus less daunting matchups against Portland, Philadelphia and Utah. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 Experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses saved, but for Black women—who are more likely to be supporting extended family or managing student loan debt—this can feel daunting. Jasmine Browley, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daunting

Word History

Etymology

see daunt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of daunting was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Daunting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daunting. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

daunting

adjective
daunt·​ing ˈdȯnt-iŋ How to pronounce daunting (audio)
: tending to overwhelm or intimidate
a daunting task
dauntingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on daunting

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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