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
Ellen has not really succumbed to his seduction, but has sacrificed herself for a noble cause, ensuring her soul is purified and free, not bound to the damned soul of the undead Orlok. Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 There’s a sense that Downey is returning to a onetime all-star team grown fallow with youthful replacements, Moon Knight–ish non-icons, and too many damned Ant-people. Darren Franich, Vulture, 31 July 2024
Adverb
The combo of that large, efficient head; the dampening factor of the wood handle; and a nice texture at the base of the grip just felt so damned good, strike after strike. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 20 Nov. 2024 Still, Moore is pretty damned great — this could almost be her Fly. Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near damned

Cite this Entry

“Damned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damned. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on damned

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!