daunting

adjective daunt·ing \ˈdȯn-tiŋ\

: tending to make people afraid or less confident : very difficult to do or deal with

Full Definition of DAUNTING

: tending to overwhelm or intimidate <a daunting task>

— daunt·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

See daunting defined for English-language learners

See daunting defined for kids

13th century

DAUNTING Defined for Kids

adjective daunt·ing \ˈdȯn-tiŋ\

: likely to discourage or frighten <a daunting challenge>

Next Word in the Dictionary: dauntlessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dauntAll Words Near: daunting

What made you want to look up daunting? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears