formidable

adjective

for·​mi·​da·​ble ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl How to pronounce formidable (audio)
fȯr-ˈmi-,
fər-ˈmi- How to pronounce formidable (audio)
1
: causing fear, dread, or apprehension
a formidable prospect
2
: having qualities that discourage approach or attack
a formidable opponent
3
: tending to inspire awe or wonder : impressive
a formidable accomplishment
formidability
ˌfȯr-mə-də-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce formidable (audio)
fȯr-ˌmi-
fər-ˌmi-
noun
formidableness
ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl-nəs How to pronounce formidable (audio)
fȯr-ˈmi-
fər-ˈmi-
noun
formidably
ˈfȯr-mə-də-blē How to pronounce formidable (audio)
fȯr-ˈmi-
fər-ˈmi-
adverb

Examples of formidable in a Sentence

She was known throughout Manchester as a formidable woman, and being educated had only piled more formidability on top of what she had been born with. Edward P. Jones, The Known World, 2003
The technology was formidable: using two and a half million rivets, 300 steeplejacks working flat out would run it up in the space of two years … Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002
Alta is reached by a hairpin road that climbs steadily upward—a ride of thirty minutes or so, depending on road and weather conditions—through some of the most formidable mountain scenery in the country. Cynthia Zarin, New Yorker, 23 Mar. 1992
The mountains were a formidable barrier. He has mastered a formidable amount of material.
Recent Examples on the Web But the Oscars probably won't make use of Grier's formidable comedic chops, as the show's writers prefer to keep things straightforward, according to former Voice of God Randy Thomas. Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 10 Mar. 2024 And Big Tech in general has proven a formidable opponent thanks to unique legal protections for online platforms. Clare Duffy, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 While urban coyotes, foxes, skunks, and raccoons will gladly nab turkey eggs and babies, adult turkeys—which weigh up to 20 pounds—are formidable opponents, notes Drake. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2024 For both actors, the mythology of LeBron James, now 39 years old and still going strong, is a formidable one. David L. Coddon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 Since launching in 2017, the concerts have brought together a formidable lineup of talent, raising $33.8 million to date and helping to fund 3.8 million meals. Jem Aswad, Variety, 8 Mar. 2024 These days, Chinese hackers are a formidable force. Associated Press, Quartz, 8 Mar. 2024 But China has been dramatically increasing military funding and investment in new defense technologies over the past decade and analysts say that Beijing's military capabilities, especially in the digital realm and drone warfare, are formidable. Emily Feng, NPR, 5 Mar. 2024 Manufacturing could prove a formidable obstacle for Viking or other players trying to make a move on the obesity drug market. Robert Hart, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'formidable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin formidabilis, from formidare to fear, from formido terror, bogey; akin to Greek mormō bogey

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of formidable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near formidable

Cite this Entry

“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formidable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

formidable

adjective
for·​mi·​da·​ble ˈfȯr-məd-ə-bəl How to pronounce formidable (audio)
also
fȯr-ˈmid- How to pronounce formidable (audio)
1
: causing fear or dread
a formidable foe
2
: offering serious difficulties
the mountains were a formidable barrier
3
: very impressive
had won a formidable number of medals
formidableness noun
formidably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on formidable

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