# condemning

/kənˈdɛmɪŋ/ (US) · /kəndˈɛmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/condemning
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. expressing strong disapproval

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- The committee released a condemning report about the company's safety record.
- The prosecutor presented a condemning array of forensic evidence that left the jury with little doubt regarding the defendant's involvement.

### 2. criticizing or sentencing

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The world leaders are condemning the recent violence in the region.
- By publicly condemning the new policy, the director risked losing his position but gained significant support from the staff.

### 3. the act of disapproval

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- His constant condemning of his colleagues made him very unpopular in the office.
- The systematic condemning of traditional practices by the new administration led to widespread social unrest in the rural provinces.

## Examples

- She gave a condemning look to the noisy children.
- The committee issued a condemning report on the company's safety failures.
- His condemning remarks about the new policy revealed a deep-seated skepticism toward modern management techniques that prioritized speed over accuracy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
