# deem

/ˈdim/ (US) · /dˈiːm/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deem
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

to have a specific opinion about something or to judge it in a certain way. You use this when you make a formal decision about whether something is good, bad, or necessary.

For teachers: to consider or judge something in a specified way. Transitive; frequently used in the passive voice to express an official or collective opinion.

## Examples

- The committee will deem the project successful if it meets the deadline.
- The local authorities may deem the building unsafe for habitation if the structural repairs are not completed by winter.
- While the initial proposal was rejected, the board may yet deem the revised strategy worthy of investment provided the projected returns remain stable.

## Pitfalls

- Not "they deem it as necessary" but "they deem it necessary" — Unlike 'regard' or 'describe', 'deem' does not take the word 'as' before the adjective or noun complement.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and often followed by an object and an adjective (e.g., 'deem it necessary').

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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.