Vocabulary
formidable
adjective·/FOR-mih-duh-buhl/
So strong, large, or impressive that it inspires respect, awe, or a little fear. A formidable opponent is one to take seriously.
Formidable blends impressive with intimidating: it is admiration mixed with the sense that this is not to be taken lightly. "A formidable competitor," "a formidable intellect," "a formidable challenge." It is almost always a compliment about strength or capability, even when applied to an obstacle. The traditional stress is on the first syllable (FOR-mih-duh-buhl), though for-MID-uh-buhl is also widely accepted.
5 ways to use “formidable” in a sentence
- “She is a formidable negotiator; you do not want to go in unprepared.”
- “They have built a formidable lead that will be hard to close.”
- “The exam has a formidable reputation, and it earns it.”
- “He brings a formidable mix of vision and execution.”
- “It is a formidable challenge, but exactly the kind this team is built for.”
Now say "formidable" out loud, in your own sentence.
The fastest way to actually own a word is to use it when you speak, not just read it. Practice in TalkStride and get scored on how clearly it comes out.
Common mistakes
- Treating it as purely negative. Formidable usually carries respect and admiration, not just fear.
- Confusing it with "formal," which is unrelated.
- Overusing it on small things; formidable implies genuinely impressive strength or scale.
Similar words, and how they differ
impressive
Impressive earns admiration. Formidable adds the sense of being powerful enough to be a little daunting.
intimidating
Intimidating mainly inspires fear. Formidable mixes that with genuine respect for the strength behind it.
powerful
Powerful is having great force or influence. Formidable is powerful in a way that commands respect or wariness.