Damning: meaning, definitions and examples

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damning

[ˈdæmɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a critical way

Causing or leading to condemnation or disgrace; very critical or negative.

Synonyms

condemning, critical, disgraceful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
damning	Use when describing evidence or statements that strongly suggest guilt or fault. The damning evidence left no room for doubt about his involvement in the crime. Her damning report highlighted the severe deficiencies in the company's safety protocols.
condemning	Best used when expressing strong disapproval or declaring something or someone as wrong or evil. The judge's condemning remarks made it clear that she found the defendant's actions reprehensible. Several human rights organizations issued condemning statements about the government's actions.
critical	Applicable when providing an analysis, evaluation, or judgement of something, or when highlighting the most important parts. Her critical review of the novel pointed out both its strengths and weaknesses. In a critical situation like this, every minute counts.
disgraceful	Use to describe actions or behavior that are shameful or dishonorable. The politician's disgraceful behavior was broadcasted on national television. It is disgraceful how some companies exploit their workers.

Examples of usage

His damning words left her feeling ashamed.
The report contained some damning evidence against the company.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to condemn or criticize severely

Expressing very strong disapproval of someone or something.

Synonyms

condemn, criticize, denounce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
damning	Use this word when you want to describe very strong evidence or an accusation that makes someone look very guilty or bad. Often found in legal or formal contexts. The prosecutor presented damning evidence against the defendant. The report contained damning details about the company's illegal practices.
condemn	This word is used when you strongly disapprove of something or someone, often in a moral or ethical sense. It's appropriate for formal or serious discussions. The government was quick to condemn the violent attacks. He was condemned by the community for his actions.
criticize	This word is used in general discussions when pointing out faults or disapproving of something. It can be formal or informal and varies in the strength of disapproval. She was criticized for her handling of the situation. The movie was criticized for its lack of originality.
denounce	Use this word when making a public declaration that something is wrong or evil. It has a strong, formal tone and is often used in political or social contexts. The leader publicly denounced the corrupt practices. They denounced the policy as unfair and discriminatory.

Examples of usage

The opposition party was quick to condemn the government's actions as damning to the country.
She was damning of his behavior at the meeting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'damner,' which means to condemn or doom.
It has roots in the Latin word 'damnare,' which means to inflict loss or damage.
Though the term has been used for hundreds of years, its usage in legal contexts emphasizes blame.

Law and Ethics

In legal settings, 'damning' evidence can lead to severe punishment for defendants.
Ethical discussions often focus on how damning statements, whether true or false, can affect a public figure's reputation.
The concept of 'damning with faint praise' refers to giving a backhanded compliment that subtly highlights flaws.

Pop Culture

Damning reviews can drastically affect movies or albums, impacting their success.
In media, journalists may present a politician’s wrongdoings as 'damning evidence,' influencing public perception.
Reality shows often expose 'damning' behavior of contestants, ramping up drama and viewer engagement.

Psychology

Research on cognitive bias shows that people often weigh negative information more heavily than positive, making accusations feel more damning.
The 'gossip effect' indicates that rumors about someone can be amplified, creating a more damning perception over time.
Feeling judged can lead to anxiety and self-doubt, as individuals fear a damning opinion from their peers.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often face damning revelations that force them to confront their moral failings.
Authors use damning prose to build tension, portraying dire consequences for flawed decisions.
The theme of being damned often appears in tragic novels, underscoring the impact of one’s choices on their fate.

Translations

Translations of the word "damning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 condenatório

🇮🇳 निंदा करने वाला

🇩🇪 verurteilend

🇮🇩 mengutuk

🇺🇦 осудливий

🇵🇱 potępiający

🇯🇵 有罪を立証する

🇫🇷 accablant

🇪🇸 condenatorio

🇹🇷 mahkum eden

🇰🇷 비난하는

🇸🇦 مُدِين

🇨🇿 odsuzující

🇸🇰 odsudzujúci

🇨🇳 谴责的

🇸🇮 obsodilni

🇮🇸 sakfelldur

🇰🇿 айыптаушы

🇬🇪 მტყუნებელი

🇦🇿 qınayan

🇲🇽 condenatorio

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,794, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21791 squalid
21792 inhaling
21793 effortlessly
21794 damning
21795 enthroned
21796 neuroscience
21797 unfavorably
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