What does "condemned" mean?

1. (sentenced to death) sentenced to a very severe punishment, usually death. 2. (unsafe building) officially declared to be in such bad condition that it is unsafe to live in. 3. (people sentenced to death) people who have been sentenced to die for a crime.

How do you use "condemned"?

Usually used with 'the' to refer to a group of people.

condemned

adj. · n.

US //kənˈdɛmd// UK //kəndˈɛmd// con·demned

1 sentenced to death (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Law

sentenced to a very severe punishment, usually death.

judicially sentenced to a severe penalty, most commonly capital punishment.

Example

The condemned man was allowed one final phone call to his family.

Example

The condemned prisoner sat in silence, awaiting the final legal appeal that might stay the execution scheduled for dawn.
- doomed
- sentenced
- pardoned
- acquitted
2 unsafe building (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

officially declared to be in such bad condition that it is unsafe to live in.

officially declared unfit for use or habitation by a governing authority due to structural or sanitary defects.

Example

The city put a sign on the condemned house to stop people from entering.

Example

The condemned apartment block was eventually demolished to make way for a modern, earthquake-resistant residential complex.
- unsafe
- uninhabitable
- certified
- safe

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3 people sentenced to death (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

people who have been sentenced to die for a crime.

a collective reference to individuals who have been judicially sentenced to capital punishment.

Example

The charity works to protect the rights of the condemned in several countries.

Example

The advocate spent her career fighting for the rights of the condemned, arguing that the legal process was often flawed.

Usage

Usually used with 'the' to refer to a group of people.