What does formidable mean?
Formidable is an adjective describing something or someone that inspires awe, respect, or apprehension because of exceptional power, skill, size, or intensity. A formidable opponent is one you would be wise to fear facing; a formidable task is one whose difficulty commands attention. Although its Latin ancestor means 'to fear', modern usage leans admiring rather than menacing: we praise a formidable intellect or a formidable athlete, using the word to signal that genuine strength or ability demands recognition. It appears frequently in journalism, sport, politics, and everyday speech, and pairs naturally with words like 'opponent', 'challenge', 'force', and 'reputation'. Both British and American speakers use it widely, though they differ slightly in where they place the stress. Its blend of caution and admiration makes it a precise, expressive alternative to weaker terms like 'hard' or 'big'.
Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, capable, or intense.
"The general had a formidable reputation across the continent."
In contemporary use this sense often expresses admiration rather than dread.
(Of a task, obstacle, or situation) dauntingly difficult; likely to require great effort to deal with.
"Reforming the tax code proved a formidable undertaking."
Formidable comes straight from the Latin 'formidare', meaning 'to fear' — so when you call someone a formidable opponent, you are literally saying they inspire dread.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of formidable
Formidable derives from the Latin verb 'formidare', meaning 'to fear', itself built on 'formido', a Latin noun for fear or dread. The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially carrying a stronger sense of inspiring terror or dread than it does today. Over time its meaning softened toward the modern blend of awe and admiration, so that a formidable rival now excites respect as much as alarm.
Related word forms
How formidable is actually used
Formidable sits in a neutral-to-formal register and carries largely positive connotations today: it usually signals admiration for someone's impressive ability rather than literal menace. In British English the stress typically falls on the first syllable, while American speakers more often stress the second. The older sense of 'inspiring dread' survives mainly in phrases like 'a formidable enemy'.
Easily confused with formidable
Comfortable means providing ease or physical ease and contentment, whereas formidable means inspiring fear or respect; the two merely share a similar rhythmic ending.