adv
Common
damned
damd
Damned (adv) means used to add emphasis, especially to complaints or strong statements — a milder stand-in for the swear word it comes from. Example: “It was a damned long walk home in the rain.”
adv
1
Used to add emphasis, especially to complaints or strong statements — a milder stand-in for the swear word it comes from.
"It was a damned long walk home in the rain."
"It's a damned shame nobody warned us about the traffic."
"She's a damned good lawyer."
How to use damned
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn intensifier meaning "extremely" or "absolutely," used to add punch to what you're saying.
When to use it
Mildly coarse — fine in casual speech and writing, best avoided in formal or professional contexts.
Common pairings
damned good
damned if I know
a damned shame
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more damned
- Superlative
- most damned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was a _____ long walk home in the rain.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for damned
See all rhymes for damned →Frequently asked questions
What does “damned” mean?
The word “damned” means used to add emphasis, especially to complaints or strong statements — a milder stand-in for the swear word it comes from. In plain terms, an intensifier meaning "extremely" or "absolutely," used to add punch to what you're saying.
How do you pronounce “damned”?
“Damned” is pronounced damd (/dæmd/ in IPA).
How do you use “damned” in a sentence?
Here is “damned” used in a sentence: “It's a damned shame nobody warned us about the traffic.”
What part of speech is “damned”?
“Damned” is an adverb.
Is “damned” a common word?
“Damned” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'damn' and 'damned'?
Both are used for emphasis and overlap heavily in casual speech. 'Damn' often works as a bare intensifier ('damn good'), while 'damned' is the -ed form used as an emphatic adjective or adverb ('a damned nuisance,' 'damned cold'). In practice speakers use them interchangeably as emphasis words.
Is 'damned' considered a swear word?
'Damned' is a mild profanity: stronger than euphemisms like 'darned' or 'blasted' but much milder than heavier swear words. Its force depends on context and audience, and it is generally avoided in formal writing.
What can you say instead of 'damned' to avoid swearing?
Common euphemistic replacements include 'darned,' 'dang,' 'blasted,' 'confounded,' and 'blooming.' These keep the same emphatic feeling while avoiding the profanity that 'damned' comes from.
Does 'damned' always express anger or a complaint?
No. Although 'damned' often intensifies complaints, it can also stress admiration or surprise, as in 'damned impressive' or 'damned lucky.' The emphasis it adds can be negative or positive depending on tone.
