Dauntingly

Dauntingly is an adverb that describes something that is done in a way that discourages or intimidates. It suggests a situation or task that appears difficult, challenging, or even frightening to confront. This often evokes feelings of apprehension, uncertainty, or helplessness. The action described as 'dauntingly' may involve a significant level of complexity, risk, or perceived threat, making the undertaking seem overwhelming to those involved. The impact is one of a sense of being 'put off' or hesitant. It suggests a degree of difficulty that is difficult to ignore, and can often cause delays or require extra effort to overcome the obstacles presented.

Dauntingly meaning with examples

• The mountain loomed dauntingly before us, its sheer cliffs and treacherous snowfields promising a difficult climb. The experienced mountaineers knew the ascent required careful planning, specialized equipment, and the constant awareness of the inherent dangers. The dauntingly-presented landscape triggered a sense of both challenge and potential hazards for the team.
• The task of learning a new programming language was presented dauntingly, with its complex syntax and abstract concepts. New learners could easily feel overwhelmed. This made progress slow. The overwhelming feeling made many people give up. The teacher made it easier to navigate, however.
• The sheer volume of paperwork, combined with tight deadlines, loomed dauntingly over the team, threatening to derail the project. The complicated nature of the document set, as well as the volume, meant that a significant effort would be required. The stress and lack of resources made the work dauntingly complex.
• She approached the audition room dauntingly, aware of the hundreds of hopefuls waiting to be heard. The pressure was significant, and the competitive atmosphere served to amplify the feeling of being small and insignificant. The talent scouts made this a high-pressure situation.
• The prospect of presenting to the board of directors, with their intimidating reputation and sharp questions, felt dauntingly stressful to the young executive. It was a high-stakes scenario, and the potential for failure loomed large, contributing significantly to the feeling of unease.