damning
Damning (adj) means Strongly suggesting guilt or wrongdoing; hard to explain away. Example: “The email was damning evidence that he had lied to investors.”
How to use damning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes evidence or facts so bad they make someone look clearly guilty.
Word forms
more damning comparative, damnings plural, most damning superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The email was _____ evidence that he had lied to investors.
Etymology
From Middle English dampnynge, formed from damn plus the -ing ending.
Frequently asked questions
What does “damning” mean?
The word “damning” means strongly suggesting guilt or wrongdoing; hard to explain away. In plain terms, describes evidence or facts so bad they make someone look clearly guilty.
How do you pronounce “damning”?
“Damning” is pronounced DA-mihng (/ˈdæmɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “damning” in a sentence?
Here is “damning” used in a sentence: “The email was damning evidence that he had lied to investors.”
What part of speech is “damning”?
Depending on how it is used, “damning” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “damning” come from?
The word “damning” comes from Middle English. From Middle English dampnynge, formed from damn plus the -ing ending.
How many meanings does “damning” have?
“Damning” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strongly suggesting guilt or wrongdoing; hard to explain away.