English Reference
Verb

panning

v.
C1 Advanced US /ˈpænɪŋ/ UK /pˈænɪŋ/ pan·ning

v.a very negative review of a movie, book, or show. When a critic pans something, they are saying it is very bad.

v.a highly critical or negative review of a creative work.


SIMPLE

The movie got a terrible panning from the critics.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the massive budget, the film received a scathing panning from the press, leading to low box office sales.

COMPLEX

While the lead actor's performance was praised, the film as a whole was subjected to a harsh panning for its lack of originality and poor pacing.

While he was searching for a missing goat he encountered a group of women panning along a riverbed.

BBC News· 22 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated