formidable

[ fawr-mi-duh-buhl, fawr-mid-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. causing fear, apprehension, or dread:

   a formidable opponent.

   Synonyms: horrible, frightful, fearful, menacing, threatening, appalling, dreadful

   Antonyms: pleasant

2. of discouraging or awesome strength, size, difficulty, etc.; intimidating:

   a formidable problem.

3. arousing feelings of awe or admiration because of grandeur, strength, etc.
4. of great strength; forceful; powerful:

   formidable opposition to the proposal.

formidable

/ ˈfɔːmɪdəbəl /

adjective

1. arousing or likely to inspire fear or dread
2. extremely difficult to defeat, overcome, manage, etc

   a formidable problem

3. tending to inspire awe or admiration because of great size, strength, excellence, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌformidaˈbility, noun
• ˈformidably, adverb

Other Words From

• for·mi·da·ble·ness for·mi·da·bil·i·ty noun
• for·mi·da·bly adverb
• non·for·mi·da·bil·i·ty noun
• non·for·mi·da·ble adjective
• non·for·mi·da·ble·ness noun
• non·for·mi·da·bly adverb
• qua·si-for·mi·da·ble adjective
• qua·si-for·mi·da·bly adverb
• su·per·for·mi·da·ble adjective
• su·per·for·mi·da·ble·ness noun
• su·per·for·mi·da·bly adverb
• un·for·mi·da·ble adjective
• un·for·mi·da·ble·ness noun
• un·for·mi·da·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of formidable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from French, from Latin formīdābilis “causing fear,” from formīd(āre) “to fear” + -ābilis -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of formidable¹

C15: from Latin formīdābilis , from formīdāre to dread, from formīdō fear

Example Sentences

Over the past five years, the golden generation of South Africa forwards have developed arguably the most formidable and feared scrum in rugby.

From BBC

Israel has long complained that the resolution failed to prevent Hezbollah from building a formidable military presence in south and firing rockets over the border.

From BBC

His four-star review also praised Paul Mescal for his performance as the illegitimate son of Russell Crowe’s Maximus, Lucius, and called him a "formidable lead".

From BBC

“Where she speaks from is so unassuming because it harnesses the young power that we see in the younger Bob and Rita in the film, but also because it doesn’t display everything that she is. It’s very cards-to-chest. Very quiet and still. Elegant and poised,” Lynch says, whose own formidable presence defined memorable appearances in “The Woman King” and “No Time to Die.”

From Los Angeles Times

Angus Bell and 23-stone tighthead Taniela Tupou are formidable foundations and the props will relish the chance to get at England at the set-piece.

From BBC

Related Words

• awesome
• dangerous
• daunting
• dire
• dreadful
• fierce
• imposing
• intimidating
• menacing
• terrific