scathing indictment

USAGE SUMMARY

"scathing indictment" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a harsh criticism or condemnation of something. Example: The article in the newspaper was a scathing indictment of the government's handling of the crisis.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pulled together, all these add up to a scathing indictment of poor management.

The Economist

(Or perhaps the show is one large, scathing indictment of the computer literacy of America's youth).

The New York Times - Arts

But what I found was a recurring, scathing indictment of MBA students.

The Economist

In its statement, Visa offered its most scathing indictment of those security violations to date.

The New York Times

And although he does not put it this way, Coming Apart is a scathing indictment of American social conservatism.

The New York Times

And "You're an Original" is really a scathing indictment of social pretense.

The New York Times - Arts

But over all, the report's scathing indictment of American intelligence is seriously unfair.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, Haley – presumably with White House approval – delivered a scathing indictment of Russia at the UN Security Council.

The Guardian

In November 1951, McGeorge Bundy, himself a Yale graduate, published a scathing indictment of Mr. Buckley in The Atlantic Monthly.

The New York Times

In 2009 Justin Sane of the punk band Anti-Flag wrote "The Economy Is Suffering, Let it Die," a scathing indictment of the bank bailout.

The New York Times - Arts

So I wasn't sure the average investor would take the time to read his scathing indictment of greed-driven Wall Street.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase "scathing indictment", ensure that you provide specific evidence or reasoning to justify the severity of the criticism. This strengthens your argument and prevents the indictment from appearing as mere hyperbole.

Common error

Avoid using "scathing indictment" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can seem out of place and overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

Scathing indictment functions as a noun phrase that intensifies the act of criticism. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. It adds weight and formality to a statement, signaling strong disapproval or condemnation of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scathing indictment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase employed to express strong criticism or condemnation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use. It is most appropriate in formal contexts, such as news reporting, academic writing, and professional communications. While alternatives like "fierce criticism" or "strong condemnation" exist, "scathing indictment" carries a unique weight and formality. Using it effectively requires awareness of its register and the context in which it is deployed to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong condemnation

Emphasizes the disapproval aspect, replacing "scathing" with "strong" for intensity.

damning critique

Substitutes "indictment" with "critique", focusing on an analytical disapproval.

fierce criticism

Replaces "indictment" with a more general term for disapproval, softening the legal connotation.

harsh censure

Replaces both words with synonyms, maintaining a formal tone of disapproval.

severe rebuke

Offers a less formal alternative, implying a strong correction or disapproval.

bitter denunciation

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the criticism, suggesting strong negative feelings.

sharp reprimand

Suggests a formal and authoritative expression of disapproval.

devastating assessment

Emphasizes the impact of the criticism, suggesting it's extremely damaging.

incisive rebuke

Implies a sharp, penetrating criticism that reveals flaws or errors.

pointed disapproval

Highlights the direct and clear expression of disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "scathing indictment" in a sentence?

You can use "scathing indictment" to describe a very strong criticism or condemnation of something. For example, "The report was a "scathing indictment" of the company's safety practices."

What are some alternatives to "scathing indictment"?

Some alternatives include "fierce criticism", "strong condemnation", or "damning critique", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "scathing indictment"?

It is appropriate to use "scathing indictment" when you want to express a severe and formal disapproval, often in the context of serious wrongdoing or failure.

Is "scathing indictment" a formal phrase?

Yes, "scathing indictment" is a formal phrase best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Using it in informal settings might sound overly dramatic or out of place.