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
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
“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
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.
