condemnation

noun

con·​dem·​na·​tion ˌkän-ˌdem-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce condemnation (audio)
-dəm-
1
: censure, blame
… the Quakers, in their uncompromising condemnation of war …William Ralph Inge
2
: the act of judicially condemning
3
: the state of being condemned
… in the hopeless hour of condemnationWashington Irving
4
: a reason for condemning
His conduct was sufficient condemnation.

Examples of condemnation in a Sentence

The plan has drawn condemnation from both sides. The government's statement was a condemnation of all acts of terrorism.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Absent due process, there’s no pause to decide whether this person should be condemned or if the reason given for condemnation is legitimate. JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025 Jay Jones, the North Carolina attorney general candidate who attracted sweeping condemnation for sending violent text messages calling for a leading North Carolina Republican to be killed, falls into that category. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025 And when families lead with compassion instead of condemnation, recovery happens faster and lasts longer. Essence, 23 Oct. 2025 The ban was put into place by local authorities in England and triggered condemnation from many politicians, sports organizations and Jewish groups, who have since tried to reverse the decision. Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condemnation

Word History

Etymology

see condemn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of condemnation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Condemnation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condemnation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on condemnation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!