damnation

USAGE SUMMARY

'damnation' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something's eternal punishment or destruction, particularly as a result of God's judgment. For example: "The damnation of the wicked was swift and incontrovertible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meeting "the voice and embodiment of the jazz age, its product and its beneficiary, a popular novelist, a movie scenarist, a dweller in the gilded palaces", the reporter found instead, to his distinct hilarity, that Fitzgerald was "forecasting doom, death and damnation to his generation".

The Guardian - Books

The passing of a hero The damnation of Mickey A new age of martyrs Landscape or animals first?

The Economist

Before long guilt-ridden bankers were commissioning great works of religious art in the hope that they might after death escape the damnation that the scriptures foretold.

The Economist

Yet most bankers seem to dread damnation in the hereafter as little as censure in the here and now.

The Economist

Only in this way can Europe avoid damnation.

The Economist

Fear of damnation, not well-meaning exhortation, is the only way to right sinning ways.

The Economist

The web is achieving what Mephisto could not: control of our souls with us footing the bill of this mundane damnation.

The Economist

As long as the prayers do not "denigrate" anyone, threaten them with "damnation" or attempt to "proselytise" the audience, no harm is done.

The Economist

But short of calling out particular audience members for their nonparticipation ("Hey you, lady in the back: bow your head already!"), harrassing members of religious minorities ("Polytheism is a recipe for eternal damnation!") or staging hour-long catechisms in Catholic theology, the town is free and clear of a constitutional violation.

The Economist

Those made of sterner stuff prefer the more puritanical oratory of Nouriel Roubini, forever preaching hellfire and damnation for those (particularly the Federal Reserve) who fail to repent.Finance seems to be a polytheistic rather than a monotheistic faith.

The Economist

In a textbook example of faint-praise damnation, the report grants that Thailand "improved its anti-trafficking data collection", but then blasts the country for insufficient law-enforcement efforts, "corruption at all levels" and failing to protect victims or to "investigate, prosecute and convict ship-owners and captains for extracting forced labour from migrant workers".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "damnation", consider the context. It often carries strong religious or moral connotations, so ensure it aligns with the intended tone and audience. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "damnation" solely to express strong disapproval. While it can imply condemnation, its primary meaning involves eternal punishment. Use less severe terms like "criticism" or "rejection" for general disapproval.

Linguistic Context

The noun "damnation" functions primarily as a descriptor of a state, typically referring to the condition of being condemned to eternal punishment. As noted by Ludwig, it is used to describe eternal punishment or destruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "damnation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that typically signifies eternal punishment or condemnation, often within a religious context. According to Ludwig, it can be used to refer to someone or something's eternal punishment or destruction. While its usage spans across News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, it's crucial to consider the context and potential religious undertones when employing this term in writing. Alternatives such as "eternal condemnation" or "spiritual ruin" might be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning and audience. Remember to avoid using "damnation" lightly for simple expressions of disapproval, as it carries a far heavier and more specific meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condemnation to hell

Directly references the traditional religious concept of hell as the place of punishment.

eternal condemnation

Emphasizes the judgment aspect, highlighting that the condemnation is permanent.

everlasting punishment

Stresses the unending nature of the penalty or suffering.

eternal suffering

Refers specifically to the never-ending aspect of punishment, focusing on the suffering experienced.

state of perdition

Emphasizes the condition of being lost or destroyed, often spiritually.

loss of salvation

Focuses on the absence of being saved or redeemed.

divine retribution

Highlights that the punishment is coming from a higher power as a form of revenge or justice.

final judgment

Focuses on the act of being judged, typically in a religious context.

spiritual ruin

Implies a state of devastation concerning one's spiritual well-being or soul.

doom and destruction

Highlights the negative consequences and finality of one's fate.

FAQs

How is "damnation" typically used in a sentence?

"Damnation" is often used to describe the state of being condemned to eternal punishment, such as "He feared the damnation of his soul". It can also express strong disapproval, although this usage is less common.

What are some alternatives to using "damnation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "condemnation", "eternal suffering", or "perdition". For general disapproval, consider words like "rejection" or "criticism".

Is it appropriate to use "damnation" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "damnation" carries strong religious or moral undertones, making it less suitable for formal writing unless the context explicitly warrants it. Neutral alternatives may be preferable in academic or business contexts.

What's the difference between "damnation" and "condemnation"?

"Condemnation" generally refers to a strong disapproval or judgment, while "damnation" specifically implies a state of eternal punishment or ruin, often in a religious sense. Thus, "condemnation" has a broader application.