adjective C1 Advanced

scathing

SKAY-thihng

Scathing (adjective) means Harshly critical. Example: “The critic wrote a scathing review of the new film.”

adjective

Harshly critical.

"The critic wrote a scathing review of the new film."

"Her scathing remarks left him speechless."

How to use scathing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBitterly, sharply critical — the kind of criticism that stings.

Common pairings

scathing review scathing criticism scathing attack

more scathing comparative, most scathing superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The critic wrote a _____ review of the new film.

bathing loathing breathing sunbathing

What does “scathing” mean?

The word “scathing” means harshly critical. In plain terms, bitterly, sharply critical — the kind of criticism that stings.

How do you pronounce “scathing”?

“Scathing” is pronounced SKAY-thihng (/ˈskeɪðɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “scathing” in a sentence?

Here is “scathing” used in a sentence: “The critic wrote a scathing review of the new film.”

What part of speech is “scathing”?

“Scathing” is an adjective.

Vocabulary lists that include scathing: