damned

1 of 2

adjective

damneder ˈdam-dər How to pronounce damned (audio) ; damnedest or damndest ˈdam-dəst How to pronounce damned (audio)
1
: damnable
this damned smog
2
: complete, utter
often used as an intensive
a damned shame
3
: extraordinary
used in the superlative
the damnedest contraption you ever saw

damned

2 of 2

adverb

: extremely, very
a damned good job

Examples of damned in a Sentence

Adjective only a damned fool would say such a thing Adverb it's a damned fine day
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.
Adjective
Labyrinthine lore be damned, the Demon Slayer franchise is a phenomenon. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2025 Pigs will fly before the EEOC returns to conduct another investigation, though any current effort would most likely turn accusations of bias on their head and consider how men have been systematically disadvantaged, employment statistics be damned. Martha Lauzen, Variety, 15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
To take just one example from many hundreds, consider this conical, solid brass paperweight from minimalist Swedish firm Les Few, which will weigh down your expense reports and look damned good doing it. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 The car scenes are rough, authentic, and often deeply compelling — mainly because the fresh-faced Bridges is so damned charismatic. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for damned

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

circa 1669, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of damned was in 1588

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Cite this Entry

“Damned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damned. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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