Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word from the options giv…

The correct answer is Option (1) → Although

Conjunction of contrast (concession):

• Although is a conjunction: it joins a full clause (subject + verb) to the main clause and shows a contrast between them.
• In spite of carries the same meaning but is a preposition: it is followed by a noun or an -ing form, not by a clause.
• This sentence: "the task seemed daunting" is a full clause, and its contrast is that the team still finished on time, so although fits.
• Complete sentence: Although the task seemed daunting at first, the team managed to complete it within the stipulated time.
  Example: Although it was raining, the match went on.

Why the Other Options are Incorrect?

Option 2: Inspite of — Incorrect.

• The phrase is written as three words: in spite of.
• It is followed by a noun or an -ing form, not by a full clause such as "the task seemed daunting".

Option 3: Since — Incorrect. Since shows reason or time; a daunting task is not the reason why the team finished on time.
Example: Since it was late, we took a taxi.

Option 4: Nonetheless — Incorrect. Nonetheless is an adverb meaning "in spite of that"; it links two separate sentences and cannot begin a clause that depends on the main clause.
Example: The task was hard; nonetheless, we finished it.

Contrast: "although" is followed by a clause (although it rained); "in spite of" by a noun or an -ing form (in spite of the rain).