English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

condemning

adj. · v. · n.
US /kənˈdɛmɪŋ/ UK /kəndˈɛmɪŋ/ con·demn·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.showing that you strongly disagree with someone's actions or think they are guilty.

    adj.expressing strong censure or complete disapproval; often used to describe evidence, reports, or looks.

    Simple

    The committee released a condemning report about the company's safety record.

    In context

    The prosecutor presented a condemning array of forensic evidence that left the jury with little doubt regarding the defendant's involvement.

    criticalaccusatorydamning
    praisingsupportiveexonerating
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the action of saying something is wrong or giving a punishment.

    v.the present participle of 'condemn', used in continuous tenses to indicate the act of expressing strong disapproval or sentencing someone.

    Simple

    The world leaders are condemning the recent violence in the region.

    In context

    By publicly condemning the new policy, the director risked losing his position but gained significant support from the staff.

    acquittingapplauding
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of saying that someone or something is very bad.

    n.the gerund form of the verb, functioning as a noun to describe the process of expressing censure.

    Simple

    His constant condemning of his colleagues made him very unpopular in the office.

    In context

    The systematic condemning of traditional practices by the new administration led to widespread social unrest in the rural provinces.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree issued a statement condemning the 9/11 attacks without mentioning CBC, though the intention was clear.

Toronto Sun· 28 Aug 2026

The leader of the Green Party in England and Wales faced criticism in May for sharing a post condemning police actions in the Golders Green attack, for which he apologised.

BBC News· 20 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated