Word
damned
US/ˈdæmd/
UK/dˈæmd/
Definitions
01annoying or emphasized
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Vulgar
adj. used to show you are very annoyed or to emphasize what you are saying.
adj. used as an attributive intensifier to express frustration, contempt, or strong emphasis.
“I can't get this damned computer to start properly.”
“He spent the entire afternoon trying to fix that damned leak in the roof, only to find the pipe was completely rusted through.”
Usage
Usually placed immediately before the noun it modifies.
02very
C1 · Advanced Informal · Vulgar
adv. used to mean 'very' when you want to sound strong or angry.
adv. functioning as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'very'.
“It is damned hard to find a good job these days.”
“The climb was damned difficult, but the view from the summit made every painful step worth the effort.”
Usage
Modifies adjectives or other adverbs.
03condemned to hell
C2 · Proficiency Religion Formal · Literary
adj. sent to hell or punished by God forever.
adj. condemned by God to suffer eternal punishment in hell.
“The old stories tell of damned souls wandering the dark forest.”
“The poet depicted the damned spirits as being trapped in a frozen lake, forever separated from the light of heaven.”
04people in hell
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Religion Formal · Literary
n. people who are believed to be punished in hell forever.
n. those who are condemned to eternal punishment.
“The painting showed the angels above and the damned below.”
“In many traditional depictions of the Last Judgment, the damned are shown being led away by shadows while the righteous ascend.”
Usage
Usually functions as a collective noun with 'the'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“A counselor at one point notes that children are the main reason women do, and don’t, leave violent situations – a chilling “damned if you do” reality.” “One must never complain because it’s part of the adventure.”
Almodóvar shows no evidence of slowing down, deafness and styes be damned.” Idioms
The word in film
Poster shown under fair use for identification and commentary.
The Damned United · 2009 · Comedy
- Directed by:
- Tom Hooper
- Starring:
- Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall, Michael Sheen
Tom Hooper's 2009 film stars Michael Sheen as football manager Brian Clough, who takes charge of Leeds United. The title uses damned as an emphatic swear word, which fits a story full of anger and rivalry.
In Literature
Cover: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons — W. E. Hill.
The Beautiful and Damned · 1922-01-01 · Tragedy
- Author:
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1922 novel follows Anthony and Gloria Patch, a wealthy young couple in New York who spend their money and time on parties. The title points to moral ruin: the characters are doomed by their own choices.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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