severe condemnation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe condemnation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or criticism of an action, behavior, or statement. Example: "The committee issued a statement of severe condemnation regarding the unethical practices uncovered in the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Severe condemnation of the war came from the papacy and the leaders of other religions.

The New York Times

If all salaries and perquisites were published, the outlandish compensation packages and grand pensions that we see today would face severe condemnation from the general public.

The New York Times

Francis issued "the most severe condemnation of all forms of hatred" and said he was appalled "because this horrific violence took place in a church, a sacred place" and involved the "barbaric" killing of a priest.

The Guardian

It is Amnesty's most severe condemnation of Hizbullah since the conflict, which began in July, and comes after the group accused Israel of violating international law with indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks on civilian targets in Lebanon.

The Guardian

At the Vatican, a spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, said that Pope Francis was horrified at the "barbaric killing" of a priest and issued "the most severe condemnation of all forms of hatred".

The New York Times

Even if, for the sake of argument, we grant Bin Laden's severe condemnation of those policies, not every type and degree of involvement with them can justify the use of lethal violence.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In meetings where the Secret Speech was read, communists would make even more severe condemnations of Stalin (and of Khrushchev), and even call for multi-party elections.

Wikipedia

In France, the bishop published a severe formal condemnation of pedophilia at about the same time.

The New York Times

At a minimum, there should be severe international condemnation of Mr. Assad's slaughter of civilians at the gathering of the Group of 20 nations this week in St .Petersburg, Russia.

The New York Times

Stern condemnations from Congress, and the like.

TechCrunch

Your reviewer, Gregory Cowles, is quite correct in asserting that in his novel, "A Week in December," Sebastian Faulks is much more severe in his condemnation of the character who is a hedge fund manager than the one who is a jihadist (March 21).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe condemnation" when you want to emphasize the intensity and moral gravity of disapproval, especially in formal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "severe condemnation" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "strong disapproval" or "harsh criticism" are more appropriate for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe condemnation" functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "condemnation", intensifying its meaning. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing strong disapproval, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe condemnation" is a powerful phrase used to express strong disapproval, particularly when a moral element is involved. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, like news reports or academic papers. While alternatives like "strong disapproval" or "harsh criticism" exist, "severe condemnation" emphasizes the gravity and intensity of the disapproval. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the action truly warrants strong censure to avoid sounding overly dramatic in informal settings. The frequency of this phrase is uncommon, suggesting that while readily understood, it is used thoughtfully and purposefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe criticism

Represents a more general term for expressing negative judgment, while "severe condemnation" implies a moral component.

bitter condemnation

Highlights the emotional intensity and resentment behind the condemnation.

strong disapproval

Focuses on disapproval, which may not be as publicly expressed as condemnation.

intense censure

Implies formal disapproval, often within a specific group or organization.

harsh criticism

Emphasizes the critical aspect of the reaction, potentially lacking the formal or official tone of condemnation.

powerful rebuke

Suggests a strong expression of disapproval, often directed at a specific person or action.

vehement denunciation

Highlights the forceful and passionate nature of the rejection or disapproval.

sharp reprimand

Implies formal and authoritative criticism, usually in a professional or hierarchical context.

outright rejection

Indicates a complete refusal or dismissal, possibly lacking the moral judgment implied by "condemnation".

fierce opposition

Emphasizes resistance and antagonism, which may or may not include explicit condemnation.

FAQs

What does "severe condemnation" mean?

Severe condemnation refers to a strong and intense expression of disapproval, often carrying a moral judgment. It implies that something is considered very wrong or unacceptable.

What can I say instead of "severe condemnation"?

You can use alternatives like "strong disapproval", "harsh criticism", or "vehement denunciation" depending on the desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "severe condemnation"?

Use "severe condemnation" when expressing strong disapproval in formal settings, official statements, or when emphasizing the moral gravity of an action or decision.

Is "severe condemnation" the same as "strong criticism"?

While both express disapproval, "severe condemnation" carries a stronger moral judgment and a higher degree of intensity than "strong criticism". Condemnation implies something is morally wrong and deserving of strong censure.