Word
doomed
US/ˈdumd/
UK/dˈuːmd/
Definitions
01certain to fail or die
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. certain to fail, die, or be destroyed, with no way to change the result.
adj. destined to a tragic or catastrophic fate; certain to suffer death, failure, or ruin.
“The explorers knew their mission was doomed when they ran out of water.”
“The peace treaty seemed doomed from the outset, as neither side was willing to make the necessary territorial concessions.”
02to make failure certain
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make it certain that someone or something will fail or suffer.
v. to condemn or destine to an unhappy or terrible fate. Often used in the passive voice.
“The bad weather doomed our plans for a picnic in the park.”
“The lack of funding effectively doomed the project before the research phase had even concluded.”
Usage
Commonly used in the passive form 'to be doomed to' followed by a noun or infinitive.
Synonyms
03fated
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. certain to happen because of fate, whether the result is good or bad.
adj. destined or fated to a particular outcome, regardless of its positive or negative nature.
“The old stories tell of a hero doomed to lead his people to a new land.”
“In the ancient epic, the protagonist is doomed to wander the seas until he finds the hidden temple of his ancestors.”
Real-World Examples
“It is often said that those who do not learn their history are doomed to repeat it.” “We are probably doomed, with all the storms coming.” Idioms
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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