# damnit

CEFR B2 · Interjection

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/damnit
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

an angry or frustrated word you say when something goes wrong or you are annoyed. It is a slightly stronger way to say 'darn it'.

For teachers: an exclamation used to express irritation, frustration, or anger. A non-standard spelling of the phrase 'damn it', often used to reflect colloquial pronunciation.

## Examples

- Damnit, I missed the bus again.
- He dropped his keys down the drain and muttered, 'Damnit,' under his breath.
- The mechanic wiped the grease from his forehead and sighed, 'Damnit, this engine is in worse shape than I thought,' before reaching for a heavier wrench.

## Pitfalls

- Not "damnit to hell" but "damn it to hell" — While 'damnit' is common in informal writing, the two-word form 'damn it' is preferred in formal contexts and for longer idiomatic phrases.

## Usage notes

- Used as a standalone exclamation or to introduce a sentence expressing frustration.

---

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.