# panning

/ˈpænɪŋ/ (US) · /pˈænɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/panning
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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

For teachers: a highly critical or negative review of a creative work.

## Examples

- The movie got a terrible panning from the critics.
- Despite the massive budget, the film received a scathing panning from the press, leading to low box office sales.
- 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.

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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.