# incriminating

/ˌɪnˈkɹɪməˌneɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /ɪnkɹˈɪmɪnˌeɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incriminating
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

making someone look guilty of a crime or a mistake. You use this to describe evidence or facts that show someone did something wrong.

For teachers: providing evidence of involvement in a crime or misconduct; strongly suggesting guilt. Often used to describe physical evidence, testimony, or digital records.

## Examples

- The police found incriminating photos on his phone.
- The prosecutor presented incriminating emails that proved the executive knew about the fraud before it happened.
- Despite his claims of innocence, the discovery of his DNA at the crime scene provided incriminating evidence that the jury found impossible to ignore.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun like 'evidence', 'testimony', or 'documents'.

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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.