# indictment

/ˌɪnˈdaɪtmənt/ (US) · /ɪndˈaɪtmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indictment
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. legal charge

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a formal, written statement that accuses someone of a serious crime.

For teachers: a formal written accusation as a preliminary step to a criminal trial, typically issued by a grand jury.

- The grand jury issued an indictment against the executive for fraud.
- The federal indictment detailed twenty-four counts of conspiracy and money laundering, effectively ending the politician's career before the trial even began.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'for' followed by the crime, or 'against' followed by the person.

### 2. sign of failure

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a sign that a system, situation, or way of life is very bad or failing.

For teachers: an expression or piece of evidence that serves as a strong condemnation of a particular system or practice.

- The high poverty rate is a sad indictment of the country's economic system.
- The report serves as a damning indictment of the prison system, highlighting systemic neglect and a total lack of rehabilitation resources.

Usage: Commonly follows the pattern 'an indictment of' something.

Teaching tip: In this figurative sense, the word is often paired with adjectives like 'damning', 'sad', or 'scathing'.

## Examples

- The jury issued an indictment against the former official.
- The report is a damning indictment of the government's failure to protect the environment.
- Legal scholars argued that the indictment was politically motivated, though the prosecutor maintained that the evidence of financial misconduct was overwhelming.

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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.