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

Next week, everyone does their darnedest to impress Padma with Indian food.

From Salon • May 5, 2023

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

But Brown is doing his darnedest to make Tomlin’s reputation as a player’s coach unimpeachable.

From Washington Times • Jan. 3, 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