damning indictment

USAGE SUMMARY

"damning indictment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong and damning accusation or criticism, particularly in the context of criminal accusations or legal proceedings. For example, "The fans were stunned by the prosecutor's damning indictment of the football player for his role in the match-fixing scandal".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Faisal's sentiments are a damning indictment of Pakistan's image abroad.

The New York Times

"This judgment is a damning indictment on the Met.

The Guardian

But these cartoons are a damning indictment on our anti-refugee sentiment," he wrote on Facebook.

Independent

"To me, that is a damning indictment on all of us," Mr Clegg said.

Independent

This judgment is a damning indictment of Labour's wholly misguided support for a third runway.

Independent

And in that sense, it is a damning indictment of decision making in America.

The Economist

In that context, this is another damning indictment of the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

She said: "This judgment is a damning indictment on the Met.

The Guardian

Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the British Medical Association, said: "This is a damning indictment of the government's failure to listen.

The Guardian

It was a subtly damning indictment, in an industry where anything less than hyperbole is faint praise indeed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In total West Ham have thrown away 22 points from winning positions, a damning indictment of their manager.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "damning indictment", ensure that the evidence or situation supports such a strong condemnation to avoid exaggeration or misrepresentation.

Common error

Avoid using "damning indictment" in casual conversations or informal writing. This phrase carries a weight of seriousness and formality that can be inappropriate in relaxed settings. Choose less severe alternatives like "strong criticism" or "harsh assessment" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damning indictment" functions as a noun phrase that serves to label or characterize a severe and critical assessment. It frequently appears when discussing failures, misconduct, or negligence, similar to examples found using Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "damning indictment" is a noun phrase used to express a severe and formal criticism or condemnation. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and, to a lesser extent, in scientific and formal business settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the seriousness of the situation and avoid overuse in informal contexts. For less severe alternatives, consider "severe condemnation" or "harsh criticism". Remember that using the right phrasing makes your writing more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe condemnation

This alternative suggests a strong disapproval but might not carry the same implication of formal accusation as the original phrase.

harsh criticism

This alternative focuses on the critical aspect, potentially lacking the weight of a formal fault-finding that "damning indictment" implies.

scathing critique

This alternative emphasizes the severity and bitterness of the criticism, but could be less formal than "damning indictment".

strong rebuke

This alternative points towards a strong disapproval or reprimand, often from someone in authority.

forceful denunciation

This alternative emphasizes a public and vehement condemnation, often on moral grounds.

bitter condemnation

This alternative stresses the resentful feeling behind the condemnation, but might not suggest a formal accusation.

devastating assessment

This alternative emphasizes the destructive impact of an evaluation, suggesting a very negative outcome.

crushing assessment

This alternative emphasizes the thoroughness and complete failure implied by the assessment.

unfavorable judgement

This alternative stresses the negative conclusion reached after a careful evaluation of the facts.

critical assessment

This alternative focuses on a careful judgment evaluating merits and faults, but could be less severe than a "damning indictment".

FAQs

How to use "damning indictment" in a sentence?

Use "damning indictment" to describe a severe criticism or condemnation, often based on substantial evidence. For example, "The report was a "damning indictment" of the company's safety practices."

What can I say instead of "damning indictment"?

You can use alternatives like "severe condemnation", "harsh criticism", or "scathing critique" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "damning indictment" or "damned indictment"?

"Damning indictment" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Damned indictment" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "damning indictment" and "strong criticism"?

"Damning indictment" implies a more formal and severe condemnation, often based on detailed evidence or findings. "Strong criticism" is a more general term for expressing disapproval.