darnedest

American  

[dahrn-dist] / ˈdɑrn dɪst /

Or darndest

noun

Informal.

1. (used euphemistically) damnedest.

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darnedest British  

/ ˈdɑːndɪst /

noun

1. a euphemistic word for damnedest

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Etymology

Origin of darnedest

First recorded in 1830–35; darned ¹ ( def. ) + -est ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

"Our approach now, is to do our darnedest to keep bluetongue out of Wales," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025

The kids do say the darnedest things, but they are also vessels of anxiety and avatars of vulnerability.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2022

One simple way to prevent this is to do your darnedest not to think, "Hm, this gravy looks thin ... I should probably sprinkle some flour over top nily wily."

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2022

So when I signed up for a nighttime SUP Glow tour with Pirate Coast Paddle Co. in Newport Beach, I promised myself I’d do my darnedest to stay upright.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2022

His pleasantly youthful face crinkled in a grin, “I’ve got the darnedest job of any of us, so I’m getting out of here and to work.”

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov