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

People who avoid accountability say the darnedest things.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

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

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