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
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
An Icelandic icon, men dancing in drag and puppets saying the darnedest things lead our shortlist of cultural offerings this weekend.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 2022
But Brown is doing his darnedest to make Tomlin’s reputation as a player’s coach unimpeachable.
From Washington Times • Jan. 3, 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.
