scathing

[skey-thing]

adjective

1. bitterly severe, as a remark.

   a scathing review of the play.

2. harmful, injurious, or searing.

scathing

/ ˈskeɪðɪŋ /

adjective

1. harshly critical; scornful

   a scathing remark

2. damaging; painful

Other Word Forms

• scathingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of scathing¹

First recorded in 1785–95; scathe + -ing ²

Example Sentences

He is scathing about AI content: “AI is the greatest average ever” and because of AI’s capabilities to produce and reproduce endless content very cheaply, the walls around creating that content will come down.

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On Top Gear, Willson was known for his wry delivery and scathing reviews.

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The judgment comes after months of contentious hearings that uncovered scathing allegations about their relationship including accusations of infidelity, drug addiction and abuse.

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A scathing take-down of Mamdani's policies and background in The Spectator magazine may be closer to the views of the average Tory MP, who have a tribal aversion to socialism in all its forms.

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The judges have also been scathing in their criticism of the temple board for "wrongfully permitting " Mr Potty "to retain approximately 474.9g of gold" after the repairs.

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Related Words

• biting 
• caustic 
• harsh 
• mordant 
• sarcastic 
• scorching 
• searing 
• trenchant 
• withering