Word
damning
Phoneticsdamn·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdæmɪŋ/
UK/dˈæmɪŋ/
Definition
adj. showing very clearly that someone is guilty or that something is a complete failure. You use it to describe evidence or reports that are impossible to argue against.
adj. providing extremely strong evidence of guilt, failure, or error. Often describes testimony, evidence, or reports that are impossible to refute.
Examples
“The witness gave a damning account of the events.”
“The leaked emails provided damning evidence that the company had ignored safety warnings for years.”
“The committee's final report was a damning indictment of the administration's failure to prepare for the predicted economic downturn.”
Examples
simple
“The witness gave a damning account of the events.”
contextual
“The leaked emails provided damning evidence that the company had ignored safety warnings for years.”
complex
“The committee's final report was a damning indictment of the administration's failure to prepare for the predicted economic downturn.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'evidence', 'report', or 'testimony'.
Pitfall
The evidence was very damming.
The evidence was very damning.
Learners often forget the silent 'n' before the 'ing' suffix, confusing it with the spelling of 'dam' (a water barrier).
Real-World Examples
“There have been decades of mistreatment and mismanagement of those who seek help later in life, say experts in a new, damning report.” “If that sounds like damning with faint praise, he decided not to waste any more words on its “unresisting imbecility”.” - 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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