damning

adjective

damn·​ing ˈda-miŋ How to pronounce damning (audio)
Synonyms of damningnext
1
: bringing damnation
a damning sin
2
: causing or leading to condemnation or ruin
presented some damning testimony
damningly adverb

Examples of damning in a Sentence

a damning flaw in the program cost the company millions of dollars
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.
The emails released by the DOJ in the final batch of Epstein files proved even more damning. Callum Sutherland, Time, 23 Feb. 2026 The results of past damning audits have been known for years. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026 That the Republicans are losing that question is a damning indictment of the present operation. Erick Erickson, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026 The most damning thing about Frank’s experience is that this is the season when the Premier League has gone ‘old-school’, and his approach still seemed too basic for Tottenham. Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for damning

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of damning was in 1595

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Cite this Entry

“Damning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damning. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

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