English Reference
adjective · noun

condemned

adj. · n.
US /kənˈdɛmd/ UK /kəndˈɛmd/ con·demned

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    adj.sentenced to a very severe punishment, usually death.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    The condemned prisoner sat in silence, awaiting the final legal appeal that might stay the execution scheduled for dawn.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Law

    n.people who have been sentenced to die for a crime.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

Usage condemned settlers · condemned the use

Ireland's Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said on Monday that he condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the "reckless criminal behaviour".

BBC News· 17 Aug 2026

The Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned Texas Governor Greg Abbott for opposing stations for Islamic pre-prayer ablution, known as wudu, at two airports in the state.

Al Jazeera· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated