/ ˈfɔːmɪdəbl; fəˈmɪd-; NAmE ˈfɔːrm-; fərˈm-/ adjective
if people, things or situations are formidable , you feel fear and/or respect for them, because they are impressive or powerful, or because they seem very difficult :
In debate he was a formidable opponent.
She has a formidable list of qualifications.
The two players together make a formidable combination.
The task was a formidable one.
They had to overcome formidable obstacles.
► for·mid·ably / -əbli; NAmE / adverb :
He now has the chance to prove himself in a formidably difficult role.
She's formidably intelligent.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from French , or from Latin formidabilis , from formidare to fear.