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
“We’re going to be focusing on precision prevention, really trying our darnedest to get through to the people who may even consider acting out,” Mr. Mitchell said.
From New York Times • Jun. 1, 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
“Byrd hums. Emmett pretends he’s on Broadway. But for you, they wished they could sing like Frank. We always wish the hardest and work the darnedest for our family,” she says.
From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers
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.
