dauntingness
|daunt-ing-ness|
/ˈdɔːn.tɪŋ.nəs/
state or degree of being intimidating
Etymology
'dauntingness' is formed in modern English by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ness' to the adjective 'daunting', where the suffix '-ness' meant 'state or quality'.
'daunting' is the present participle of the verb 'daunt'. The verb 'daunt' comes from Old French 'danter' meaning 'to tame or subdue', which in turn traces back to a Latin root related to 'domare' (to tame). Over time these forms evolved into Middle English and then modern English 'daunt' and its derivatives 'daunting' and 'dauntingness'.
Originally the root notion was 'to tame or subdue', but over time the sense shifted to 'to intimidate or discourage', and the derived noun 'dauntingness' now denotes the state or degree of being intimidating or discouraging.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being daunting; the property of causing fear, intimidation, or discouragement because something appears difficult or overwhelming.
The dauntingness of the project made some team members hesitate before committing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
the degree or extent to which something is daunting; a measure of perceived difficulty or psychological barrier posed by a task or situation.
The dauntingness of climbing the mountain varied with each climber's experience and confidence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/12 01:10