damning message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "damning message" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a message that is highly critical or condemning, often implying serious consequences or negative implications. Example: "The leaked emails contained a damning message that could jeopardize the politician's career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A retired teacher moves in with her daughter to convalesce, the daughter's employer gives a bad speech, his niece leaves a damning message for her lover.

The New Yorker

Republican strategists believe they have found a damning message in the baby ads — one that indirectly raises the question "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" But some Republicans cautioned that without answering what logically flows from that question — will you be better off four years from now? — they will not break through.

The New York Times

It's not just that it would prove so expensive – the number of people qualifying will only rise in the coming years – but that it sends out such a damning message about recent governments' ability to preside over an economy that can provide a home for all.

The Guardian

The most damning message to arise from the trial came from the defendant's own testimony as he told the jury that in essence he had lied to the F.B.I. because he was frightened that appearing in court to testify against another officer would jeopardize his family and his career.

The New York Times

Two days after Shah was killed, Humza Yousaf, Scotland's only Muslim minister, tweeted a damning message about sectarianism. .

Huffington Post

Likewise, Americans should be wary of the damning message that it sends across the globe when leading American politicians like Gingrich argue to curtail their shared religious freedom, a cornerstone of our tolerant nation.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's because African Americans don't address the homophobic role some Black churches play in creating a "down-low" (DL) culture -- not only among its worshipers but also among its "down low" ministers who espouse damning messages about homosexuality -- that both Bishop Eddie Long and Pastor Donnie McClurkin can tell their truths.

Huffington Post

Send a damn message to those men who interest you!

Huffington Post

In many arenas of my advocacy, I not only feel invisible, but at times flat-out denied and ignored; some have even gone as far as damning me, my message and my work.

Huffington Post

You've probably heard about the accusations leveled against climate researchers — allegations of fabricated data, the supposedly damning e-mail messages of "Climategate," and so on.

The New York Times

Messages damning our government are practically beaten into us.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "damning message" with milder alternatives like "highly critical communication" or "negative feedback" if the situation doesn't warrant such a strong term.

Common error

Avoid using "damning message" for minor criticisms or disagreements. This phrase suggests severe consequences, so ensure the message genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "damning message" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "damning" modifies the noun "message". It indicates a message that is severely critical and condemning, often implying serious consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "damning message" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a highly critical or condemnatory communication. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and while it's not the most frequent phrase, it finds common usage in news and media, formal, and business contexts. The phrase suggests that the message has severe negative implications or provides strong evidence of wrongdoing. When using this phrase, consider its strong connotations and whether the context truly warrants such a severe descriptor. Alternatives like "incriminating message" or "highly critical communication" may be more appropriate in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incriminating message

Replaces "damning" with "incriminating", emphasizing the message's role in suggesting guilt or wrongdoing.

condemnatory message

Substitutes "damning" with "condemnatory", highlighting the message's expression of strong disapproval.

incriminating communication

Focuses on the message implying involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.

devastating communication

Replaces both words to focus on the extremely damaging impact of the message.

highly critical communication

Uses a more descriptive phrase, "highly critical", to soften the intense negativity of "damning".

damaging revelation

Shifts the focus from a general 'message' to a 'revelation', implying something previously hidden has been disclosed to damaging effect.

scathing indictment

Replaces "message" with "indictment", suggesting a formal accusation or strong censure.

explosive disclosure

Highlights the shocking or sensational nature of the message being revealed.

fatal announcement

Emphasizes the severe or disastrous consequences of the message.

telling message

Highlights the significance of the message and its implications, but with less negativity.

FAQs

How can I use "damning message" in a sentence?

Use "damning message" to describe a communication that provides strong evidence of wrongdoing or severely criticizes something. For instance, "The leaked documents contained a "damning message" from the CEO about the company's unethical practices."

What can I say instead of "damning message"?

You can use alternatives like "incriminating message", "condemnatory message", or "highly critical communication" depending on the specific context.

Is "damning message" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "damning message" can be appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing legal, political, or business contexts where the message has serious implications. However, consider the tone and audience and choose a more neutral term if necessary.

What's the difference between "damning message" and "negative message"?

"Damning message" implies severe criticism or evidence of wrongdoing, while "negative message" is a more general term for any communication that conveys unfavorable information or feedback. A "damning message" carries much heavier implications than a simple negative one.