redoubtable

American  

[ri-dou-tuh-buhl] / rɪˈdaʊ tə bəl /

adjective

1. that is to be feared; formidable.

2. commanding or evoking respect, reverence, or the like.

---

redoubtable British  

/ rɪˈdaʊtəbəl /

adjective

1. to be feared; formidable

2. worthy of respect

---

Other Word Forms

• redoubtableness noun
• redoubtably adverb

Etymology

Origin of redoubtable

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English redoutable, from Middle French, equivalent to redout(er) “to fear” ( re- re- + douter “to fear, doubt” ) + -able “be capable of”; doubt, -able

Example Sentences

Jackson’s way with words was always redoubtable, as was his comedic timing.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026

Blues have built from the back, where the redoubtable Austrian centre-half Christoph Klarer now has Phil Neumann and Eiran Cashin for company.

From BBC • Aug. 7, 2025

Igor Levit, a pianist of awe-inspiring insight and redoubtable technique, decided to conduct himself during his solo recital at Carnegie Hall on Thursday.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2024

The wave of another magic wand passes over Prospero’s enchanted isle, courtesy of a real magician — the redoubtable Teller, of Penn and Teller renown.

From Washington Post • Sep. 8, 2022

Each day at lunchtime we were permitted to sit outside in the spacious garden of a neighboring vicarage where we were supplied with a meal cooked by the redoubtable Mrs. Thayanagee Pillay and her friends.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela