What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
formidable
Example
The team faced a formidable opponent in the championship game. [formidable: adjective]
Example
The task of climbing the mountain was formidable, but they were determined to succeed. [formidable: adjective]
intimidating
Example
The job interview was intimidating, but she did her best to stay calm. [intimidating: adjective]
Example
The thought of giving a speech in front of a large audience was intimidating. [intimidating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intimidating is more commonly used than formidable in everyday language. Intimidating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while formidable is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between formidable and intimidating?
Formidable is typically associated with a formal tone, while intimidating is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
