darnedest
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of darnedest
First recorded in 1830–35; darned 1 ( def. ) + -est 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Our approach now, is to do our darnedest to keep bluetongue out of Wales," he said.
From BBC ● Jun. 28, 2025
Next week, everyone does their darnedest to impress Padma with Indian food.
From Salon ● May 5, 2023
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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
