darnedest

American  

[dahrn-dist] / ˈdɑrn dɪst /

Or darndest

noun

Informal.

1. (used euphemistically) damnedest.

---

darnedest British  

/ ˈdɑːndɪst /

noun

1. a euphemistic word for damnedest

---

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

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

During the national anthem, the camera panned to James, who had returned home to Cleveland for the game, to show the four-time NBA champion trying his darnedest to hold back laughter.

From Washington Times • Feb. 21, 2022

And the darnedest thing: I kept remembering something Ben said and I could not get it out of my head.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings