damning

adjective

damn·​ing ˈda-miŋ 

1

: bringing damnation

a damning sin

2

: causing or leading to condemnation or ruin

presented some damning testimony

damningly

ˈda-miŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of damning

• disastrous
• unfortunate
• fatal
• catastrophic

Examples of damning in a Sentence

a damning flaw in the program cost the company millions of dollars

Recent Examples on the Web

After studying the issue for three years, the commission released a damning report that led to changes in the way people with psychiatric disorders are treated in the court system. —Miami Herald, 31 May 2026

In arguably the most damning allegation, the NCAA says that Sorsby continued sports betting activities after transferring to Texas Tech in January 2026. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 31 May 2026

But the performance on the field wasn’t the biggest cause for concern that night for the Gunners – the most damning indictment was the apathy surrounding the club. —Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 23 May 2026

Most damning of all was completely changing his formation last-minute before March’s 2-0 loss to Aston Villa. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 18 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing damning

• self-damning

Rhymes for damning

• amang
• cramming
• damming
• hamming
• jamming
• lambing
• ramming
• slamming
• diagramming
• reprograming
• reprogramming
• multiprogramming