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Damning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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damning

[หˆdรฆmษชล‹ ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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 politicianโ€™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 oneโ€™s choices on their fate.

Origin of 'damning'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'damning' originates from the verb 'damn,' which can be traced back to Middle English and Old French. The term has evolved over time to reflect a strong sense of criticism or condemnation. In modern usage, 'damning' is often used to describe evidence or statements that strongly disapprove or condemn someone or something.

See also: damned.

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.