formidableness

formidableness

A storm cloud displays its formidableness over the ocean.

Definition

Noun: The quality or state of being formidable; the attribute of inspiring fear, respect, or awe due to size, strength, difficulty, or impressiveness.

Usage Examples
  • (The mountain's intimidating size and difficulty.)
  • (Her impressive and intimidating skill in argument.)
  • (The system's daunting complexity and power.)
Advanced Usage
  • "A sense of formidableness": an impression of being difficult to overcome or confront.

    • The fortress had a sense of formidableness that kept invaders at bay. (It appeared imposing and unconquerable.)
  • "Formidableness in competition": the quality of being a strong, daunting opponent.

    • The team's formidableness in the tournament was due to their rigorous training. (Their strength made them feared.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Formidable (adj): inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.

    • The formidable opponent defeated all challengers. (The opponent was intimidatingly strong.)
  • Formidably (adv): in a manner that inspires fear or respect.

    • She argued formidably, leaving no counterpoint unchallenged. (She argued in an impressively powerful way.)
Synonyms
  • Dreadfulness: the quality of causing great fear or dread.
  • Awe-inspiringness: the quality of inspiring awe or reverence.
  • Imposingness: the quality of being grand and impressive in a way that commands respect.
Related Idioms
  • "A force to be reckoned with": someone or something that is impressively powerful and must be taken seriously.

    • Her formidableness made her a force to be reckoned with in the industry. (Her intimidating power demanded attention.)
  • "Nothing to sneeze at": something significant or impressive, not to be dismissed.

    • The formidableness of the challenge was nothing to sneeze at. (The challenge was serious and daunting.)