Daunting Definition – Meaning And Usage In A Sentence

“Daunting” is a common word used in various settings. However, most people hardly know several meanings and definitions of this word, and they use it wrongly. So, what is the correct daunting definition?

If something is “daunting,” it can scare you off easily. Use the word to describe phrases discouraging you through fear. Replace the words “intimidating” and “discouraging” with “daunting.” Often the word describes things that you do not look forward to doing.

Before you start using a word you have just learned, it is prudent to understand its meaning and usage. The last thing you need is to use new words incorrectly. That will discredit you as a person and can be too embarrassing. Let’s look at all the vital things to know about the word “daunting.”

What Is The Definition Of Daunting?

Daunting: Something that inspires fear or alarm, demoralizes, or is arduous. These are things that make you feel slightly afraid worrying about dealing with the situation. These things cause distress, dread, or alarm.

Here are sentence examples:

• As the project grew, the workload became daunting.
• When I saw the mountain, I knew it would be daunting to reach the peak.
• Because he is shy, he finds it daunting to go to parties.

Synonyms of the Word Daunting

Synonyms are terms with the same or almost the matching meaning as another. Here are the synonyms of the word daunting.

• Discouraging
• Disheartening
• Intimidating
• Disconcerting
• Dismaying
• Formidable
• Depression
• Frightening
• Alarming
• Terrifying
• Horrible
• Frightful
• Ghastly
• Fearful
• Dreadful

Antonyms of Daunting

Antonyms mean words that are of opposite meanings. They include the following.

• Lightening
• Cheering
• Inviting
• Enticing
• Magnetic
• Uplifting
• Tender
• Lightening
• Loving
• Gentle
• Relaxing
• Easing
• Warming
• Alluring
• Restful

Words That Rhyme With Daunting

Here is a look at terms that have the same sound as daunting.

• Haunting
• Writing
• Boring
• Flaunting
• Taunting
• Floating
• Jumping
• Bidding
• Vaunting
• Exhausting
• Support
• Reporting
• Roaring
• Raging
• Spinning

What Is The Meaning Of Daunting?

Daunting: Use the word to describe something of great size or extent. You can also use it to describe something formidable, especially an opponent.

Here are sentence examples:

• If you have never been deep-sea diving, it might appear daunting.
• I usually wonder why going to school is a daunting task for most young people.
• The trip is daunting since it will take twenty-six hours by bus.

Common Word Phrase With The Word Daunting

How many word phrases with the word daunting do you know? You have probably used or encountered a few. Here’s the list.

A bit daunting: When something is a bit daunting, it means something is a little intimidating.

Daunting obstacle: A daunting obstacle describes something difficult and dangerous to do or pass through.

Daunting problem: If you have a daunting problem, you are dealing with something that makes you slightly worried.

Daunting project: This is the type of project that is dispiriting and one that you do not have the strength to deal with.

Daunting task: If a job is daunting, it means that it is intimidating, challenging, and overwhelming in a way that you do not want to do.

Comparing Daunting With Other Words

Can you differentiate daunting with other words like intimidating, scary, overwhelming, and challenging? We will help you achieve that.

Daunting vs. Intimidating

Two words that most people confuse are daunting and intimidating. Though these words can be synonyms, they have a difference. The word daunting means discouraging, inspiring fear, while intimidating means threatening.

Daunting vs. Scary

Another word that most people use interchangeably is daunting and scary. Though they might be synonyms, it is important to learn the different meanings so that you can use them appropriately. Daunting is something that causes fear, mostly a task or project. Scary is something that can cause fright.

Daunting vs. Overwhelming

Most people use daunting and overwhelming interchangeably. However, though these words have near meanings, the broad meaning varies in that daunting means something that is discouraging, while overwhelming means something overpowering.

Daunting vs. Challenging

Most people assume that the words challenging and daunting have the same definition. But the truth is that these two words have different definitions when used in different settings. For example, daunting means something that gets inspired by fear, while challenging means something hard to do.

Is Daunting A Positive Word?

The word daunting is not positive since the word means something that is discouraging or one that inspires fear. So, when you use this word in your sentences, remember that it is not a positive word.

How To Use Daunting In A Sentence

Daunting is the continuous progressive tense (the -ing form) of the word daunt. Use the word in your sentences when describing something intimidating or overwhelming. The word daunting is linked to prospects and tasks.

Family Words of Daunting

Daunting is an adjective. Adjective words are the naming attribute of a noun. However, you can use the word in its various forms. Here is a look at words of the same family as daunting.

Dauntingly (adverb): In a way, that is likely to make someone feel nervous and less confident in doing something.

Here are sentence examples:

• The New Market is so far from the city, making it daunting to reach.
• She dauntingly said that Benjamin had to put more effort into his task.
• After various interviews, she is confused about whether to choose a fun job with low pay or a dauntingly tiring one that pays well.

Daunted (verb): Daunted is the past tense and past participle of the word daunt.

Here are sentence examples:

• Do not get daunted by the various wedding gowns; talk to the sales representative to help you get what suits your theme.
• I started to feel daunted by the thought of traveling alone to a new country.
• Some plus-size women feel daunted and scared to wear workout clothes.

Dauntlessness (noun): It is the characteristic of being dauntless or fearless.

Here are sentence examples:

• The retired police officer is irreplaceable due to his dauntlessness and courage.
• The book she reads has messages of dauntlessness, faith, and audacity.
• Due to her relentlessness and dauntlessness, Edith quickly won the officers’ hearts.

10 Examples Of Daunting In A Sentence

Learn more about the word daunting from these ten sentences constructed using the word daunting.

1. Everyone who did not study for the test found it quite daunting.
2. The farmer needs seven workers to help him with the daunting task of plowing his large field.
3. The trip was fun, but the young girl found it rather daunting.
4. The villagers have the daunting task of restoring their homes.
5. It is possible to travel around the world, but note that it is a daunting process.
6. The task presented before us is daunting.
7. Starting a new job can be a daunting project.
8. Sharon has the daunting task of taking care of 10 older persons.
9. The company is facing daunting technical challenges.
10. Even the greatest mountaineer finds climbing Mount Everest a daunting task.

How Do You Spell Daunting?

The proper way to spell it  is “DAUNTING.”

This is one of the few English words that can confuse the spell just by pronouncing it. Most people assume that there is an “o” that follows the first letter “d.” However, that is not the case.

Proper spelling is vital if you communicate with people in official settings. Remember, poor spelling will have people assume or discredit your message. Rather than be this embarrassed, take your time to learn the correct way to spell words that you have learned.

How Do You Pronounce Daunting?

The proper way to pronounce the word “daunting” is “daah . tuhng.”

When pronouncing the word, start strong and loud and finish slow and in a low tone. Most people assume the importance of practicing proper pronunciation. Note that when you know how to pronounce your words correctly, then you will have an easy time communicating with people.

Besides, people will take you more seriously than someone who does not understand how to pronounce words properly. So, learn the best pronunciation each time you encounter a new word.

How Many Syllables Are In Daunting?

The word “daunting” has two syllables divided as “daunt-ing.” The stressed syllable when pronouncing the word is “daunt.”

History & Etymology Of Daunting

The origin of the word “daunting” is Latin “domare,” which means “to tame.” According to the Latin dialect, the word tame, in this case, has a sense of intimidating or subduing the courage of something. The frequentive of the word “domare” is “domitare.”

Before the word got translated to English, the French borrowed it and used it as “dompter,” which means “afraid of, doubt, restrain, or fear.” Later, English borrowed the word and used it as “daunt” to mean vanquish, subdue, or conquer. As different word forms were created from this word, the word “daunting” was born.

When Was Daunting First Used?

Records show that it was in the 13th century. From the first time the word came up to today, it means tending to overwhelm or intimidate.

Conclusion

Do you have a project that you must do and feel it’s too difficult for you? This project is daunting. Now that you know and understand the daunting definition, meaning, and usage, come up with creative ways that you can use the word in your speech and conversation.