formidable

adjective

for·​mi·​da·​ble ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl How to pronounce formidable (audio) fȯr-ˈmi-də-bəl How to pronounce formidable (audio)
fər-ˈmi-də-bəl
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-də-ˈbi-lə-tē
fər-ˌmi-də-ˈbi-lə-tē
noun
formidableness
ˈfȯr-mə-də-bəl-nəs How to pronounce formidable (audio)
fȯr-ˈmi-də-bəl-nəs
fər-ˈmi-də-bəl-nəs
noun
formidably
ˈfȯr-mə-də-blē How to pronounce formidable (audio)
fȯr-ˈmi-də-blē
fər-ˈmi-də-blē
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Connecticut’s offense is formidable, but its defense is suspect. Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025 In the vast plains of North America, a formidable predator once reigned supreme. Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 Historically, Australia has been a formidable player in the global music industry, reaching as high as No. 6 on the IFPI’s ranking in 2004 and holding that position again from 2007 to 2015. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 20 Mar. 2025 For now, the central bank appears to be withholding judgment on which hazard is more formidable, leaving its December rate forecast for 2025 unchanged. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for formidable

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/formidable. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!