adjective
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scathing
SKAY-thihng
Scathing (adjective) means Harshly critical. Example: “The critic wrote a scathing review of the new film.”
adjective
1
Harshly critical.
"The critic wrote a scathing review of the new film."
"Her scathing remarks left him speechless."
How to use scathing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBitterly, sharply critical — the kind of criticism that stings.
Common pairings
scathing review
scathing criticism
scathing attack
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more scathing
- Superlative
- most scathing
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The critic wrote a _____ review of the new film.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for scathing
See all rhymes for scathing →Frequently asked questions
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.
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