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damning

adjective

/ˈdamɪŋ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of damning

Severely critical or damaging, especially to someone's reputation or credibility.
"The damning evidence was enough to secure a conviction."

Detailed meaning of damning

When used to describe a statement or piece of evidence, the term "damning" implies that it is highly unfavorable and likely to cause serious harm. For example, a damning report could reveal serious flaws or problems with a product or organization, while a damning piece of evidence could be used to prosecute someone in a court of law. The adjective "damning" is often used to describe information or evidence that is highly damaging or incriminating, and has the power to ruin someone's reputation or cause significant harm. The term can also describe something that is highly critical or unfavorable, such as a damning review or criticism. In all cases, the adjective "damning" conveys a sense of serious and potentially irreparable harm.

Example sentences containing damning

1. The damning evidence left no room for doubt.
2. Her testimony provided a damning indictment of his actions.
3. The journalist's exposé was a damning critique of corruption.
4. The photos revealed damning proof of their involvement.
5. His words had a damning impact on their friendship.
6. The report contained a series of damning allegations.

History and etymology of damning

The adjective 'damning' is formed by adding the suffix '-ing' to the word 'damn,' which itself has its etymological roots in religious and moral contexts. 'Damn' is derived from the Latin word 'damnare,' meaning 'to condemn' or 'to sentence.' When the suffix '-ing' is added to 'damn,' it creates 'damning,' which describes something as severely critical or damaging, especially to someone's reputation or credibility. In this context, 'damning' emphasizes the strength and severity of criticism, often implying that the information or evidence presented is highly detrimental to the person or subject in question. The etymology of 'damning' underscores its historical connection to moral judgment and condemnation, reflecting its role in describing criticisms or evidence that can have severe consequences for one's reputation or credibility.

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Further usage examples of damning

1. The scandal had a damning effect on his career.
2. The emails contained damning information about the company.
3. The video footage served as damning evidence in court.
4. The committee's findings were a damning judgment.
5. His silence in the face of accusations was seen as damning.
6. The review was a damning assessment of the restaurant.
7. The leak of confidential documents was damning to the organization.
8. The damning review caused a decline in sales.
9. The whistleblower's revelations were damning to the company.
10. The report painted a damning picture of mismanagement.
11. His actions amounted to a damning betrayal of trust.
12. The scandal led to a series of damning headlines.
13. The documentary contained damning interviews with insiders.
14. The evidence against him was damning and overwhelming.
15. The jury found the damning evidence to be conclusive.
16. The damning evidence against the defendant was overwhelming.
17. The witness gave a damning testimony that sealed the defendant's fate.
18. The report contained damning information about the company's financial practices.
19. The email was a damning piece of evidence in the fraud case.
20. The lawyer tried to discredit the damning witness on the stand.
21. The damning statistics showed that the company had been lying about its profits.
22. The damning video footage was shown in court as evidence.
23. The damning testimony from the former employee was the turning point in the trial.
24. The damning report was leaked to the media, causing a public scandal.
25. The damning results of the investigation led to the resignation of the company's CEO.