English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
Login Flashcards
intj Common

goddamn

god-DAM
Quiz me More like this

Goddamn (intj) means an exclamation used to express anger, shock, frustration, or strong excitement. Example: “Goddamn, that was a close call!”

intj
1
An exclamation used to express anger, shock, frustration, or strong excitement.
"Goddamn, that was a close call!"
"Goddamn it, will you just answer the phone!"
adj
1
Used before a noun simply to add emphasis, usually showing annoyance.
"Turn off that goddamn alarm already."

How to use goddamn

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA forceful swear word used either as an outburst on its own or as an intensifier before a noun, similar to "damn" but stronger.

When to use it

Considered mild-to-moderate profanity; common in casual speech and film/TV dialogue, but avoided in professional or polite writing.

Easily confused with
goddamned →
Common pairings
goddamn it that goddamn thing goddamn right
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like goddamn.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Test yourself on “goddamn” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, that was a close call!

Etymology

Formed from "God" and "damn" — originally a genuine plea for divine punishment on someone, now used mainly as a raw expression of emotion rather than a literal curse.

Synonyms

View more →
darn dang blasted confounded doggone blessed blamed infernal goddamned blame deuced damn

Related words

lost living dead damn pick charge holy lucky

Frequently asked questions

What does “goddamn” mean?
The word “goddamn” means an exclamation used to express anger, shock, frustration, or strong excitement. In plain terms, a forceful swear word used either as an outburst on its own or as an intensifier before a noun, similar to "damn" but stronger.
How do you pronounce “goddamn”?
“Goddamn” is pronounced god-DAM (/ˌɡɒdˈdæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “goddamn” in a sentence?
Here is “goddamn” used in a sentence: “Goddamn, that was a close call!”
What is another word for “goddamn”?
Words with a similar meaning to “goddamn” include godsdamn, goddamned, gorram, dadgum, goldarn and goshdarn.
What part of speech is “goddamn”?
Depending on how it is used, “goddamn” can be an intj and an adjective.
Is “goddamn” a common word?
“Goddamn” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “goddamn” have?
“Goddamn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an exclamation used to express anger, shock, frustration, or strong excitement.
Is goddamn considered offensive?
Yes, many people consider 'goddamn' offensive because it pairs a religious reference with a curse, and it can be read as both blasphemous and vulgar. It is generally avoided in formal, professional, or polite settings, where milder substitutes are preferred.
What is the difference between goddamn and goddamned?
The two are closely related forms used as intensifiers showing annoyance. 'Goddamned' is the participle-style spelling and is sometimes felt to be slightly stronger, while 'goddamn' is more common directly before a noun, as in 'the goddamn car'.
When should you avoid using goddamn?
Avoid 'goddamn' in formal writing, professional communication, and any setting where religious language may cause offense. Milder alternatives such as 'darn', 'blasted', or 'doggone' are safer choices in polite company.
Does goddamn work as both an interjection and an adjective?
Yes. As an interjection it stands alone to express anger, shock, or frustration, while as an adjective it is placed before a noun purely for emphasis, usually signaling annoyance, as in 'the goddamn thing won't start'.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include goddamn:

Words that start with G

People also searched

lost living dead damn pick charge holy lucky