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

“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

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