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A1 verb #2,694 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

condemn

The word 'condemn' is a strong verb. It means to say that something is very bad. When people do bad things, leaders condemn those things. For example, if someone steals, the police and the mayor will condemn the stealing. It means they do not like it at all. They want it to stop. You use this word when you are very angry about something wrong. It is not for small mistakes. If your friend forgets your birthday, you do not condemn them. But if a bad person hurts someone, you condemn the bad person. It is a big, serious word. We hear it on the news a lot. The news reporter will say, 'The president condemns the attack.' This means the president thinks the attack is terrible. It is important to know this word to understand the news. It helps you know what is right and what is wrong in society. Another meaning is about old, broken houses. If a house is too old and might fall down, the city will condemn it. This means no one can live there anymore. It is too dangerous. So, 'condemn' means saying an action is very bad, or saying a building is very unsafe. It is a word about safety and good behavior. When you learn 'condemn', you learn how to talk about serious problems. You can say, 'I condemn violence.' This shows you are a good person who wants peace. Remember, it is a strong word. Use it only for big problems. It is a very useful word for reading the newspaper or watching television news. Practice saying it: con-demn. The 'n' at the end is silent. You just say 'con-dem'. It is easy to say but has a very big meaning. Keep practicing this word so you can understand when leaders speak on television.
At the A2 level, you should understand that 'condemn' is used to express strong disagreement or anger about an action. It is stronger than just saying 'I don't like it.' When you condemn something, you are stating publicly that it is completely wrong and unacceptable. For instance, communities condemn racism and violence. It is a word often used by people in power, like politicians, judges, or police officers. When a crime happens, the mayor might give a speech to condemn the crime. This tells the citizens that the mayor is taking the problem seriously. You will often see this word followed by the preposition 'for'. For example, 'The teacher condemned the student for cheating on the test.' This shows exactly why the person is in trouble. Another important use is for buildings. If a building has a fire and is ruined, the city inspectors will condemn the building. They put a sign on the door that says 'Condemned'. This means it is against the law to go inside because you could get hurt. So, you have two main ideas to remember: strongly judging bad behavior, and officially closing a dangerous building. It is also used in a dramatic way to talk about the future. If someone makes a terrible mistake, you might say it will condemn them to a hard life. This means their mistake has ruined their future. While you might not use this word every day with your friends, you need to know it to understand stories, news articles, and movies. It helps you understand the rules of society and how people react when those rules are broken. Practice using it in sentences about the news to get comfortable with its strong meaning.
For B1 learners, 'condemn' expands into more specific contexts, particularly in news media and legal discussions. The primary meaning remains the strong, public expression of disapproval. However, at this level, you should recognize collocations like 'strongly condemn', 'widely condemned', or 'internationally condemned'. These phrases show the scale of the disapproval. For example, 'The dictator's actions were internationally condemned.' This means countries all over the world agreed the actions were wrong. You also need to master the grammatical structure 'condemn someone for doing something'. For instance, 'The public condemned the company for polluting the river.' In legal contexts, 'condemn' is historically used to mean sentencing someone to a punishment, especially a severe one. 'The judge condemned the traitor to life in prison.' While 'sentenced' is more common today, 'condemn' adds a layer of moral judgment to the legal penalty. The usage regarding buildings becomes more technical here. A condemned property is one that fails to meet health and safety codes. It might have structural damage, toxic mold, or no running water. The local government condemns it to protect public health. Finally, the metaphorical use becomes important. To 'condemn someone to a fate' means to force them into a negative situation. 'His lack of qualifications condemned him to low-paying jobs.' This shows that 'condemn' isn't just about people speaking; it can be about circumstances forcing a bad outcome. Understanding these three pillars—moral disapproval, legal/structural safety, and forced negative outcomes—will significantly improve your reading comprehension of B1-level texts, such as opinion pieces, historical summaries, and detailed news reports.
At the B2 level, your understanding of 'condemn' should be nuanced and precise. You are expected to distinguish it from similar verbs like 'criticize', 'denounce', and 'reprimand'. While you criticize a flawed plan, you condemn a malicious act. Condemnation carries a weight of absolute moral certainty. In political discourse, 'condemn' is often used as a diplomatic tool. A government might condemn a foreign policy to signal its stance without taking military action. You should be comfortable with passive constructions, such as 'The attacks were swiftly condemned by the UN Security Council.' Furthermore, the concept of being 'condemned' extends deeply into abstract and philosophical realms. The phrase 'condemned to repeat it' (from the famous quote about history) is a B2-level idiom you should actively use. It implies an inescapable cycle caused by ignorance. In literature, a 'condemned man' refers to someone awaiting execution, often used to build tension or explore themes of mortality and justice. You must also be careful not to confuse 'condemn' with 'condone' (to overlook or accept bad behavior), a common trap for upper-intermediate learners. When discussing urban development, you can use 'condemn' in the context of eminent domain, where a government condemns land (takes legal ownership of it) for public use, like building a highway, even if the building isn't unsafe. This administrative use broadens the word's application beyond just safety and morality into the realm of civic law. Mastery at this level means using the word fluidly across ethical, legal, literary, and administrative contexts with correct prepositions and appropriate gravity.
For C1 learners, 'condemn' is a tool for sophisticated rhetorical expression. You are dealing with complex texts where the word might be used to convey subtle political posturing or deep philosophical existentialism. In advanced journalism, you will encounter phrases like 'roundly condemned', 'unanimously condemned', or 'condemned in the strongest possible terms'. These intensifiers are crucial for setting the exact tone of the discourse. You should be able to analyze how politicians use condemnation to distance themselves from scandals or to rally their base. In legal and historical contexts, the term is intertwined with human rights discourse. You will read about regimes condemning dissidents to exile or hard labor. The word emphasizes the arbitrary or harsh nature of the ruling power. In literary analysis, you will explore the metaphorical weight of the word. A character might be 'condemned by their own hubris', meaning their fatal flaw guaranteed their downfall. This requires an understanding of abstract agency—it is not a person condemning them, but a trait. Furthermore, you must navigate the administrative nuances of property law, understanding that condemning a property can be a controversial act of gentrification or urban renewal, sparking debates about community rights versus civic progress. At the C1 level, you are not just learning what the word means; you are analyzing *why* the author chose 'condemn' over 'denounce' or 'censure'. You understand that 'condemn' carries a finality and a moral absolute that other words lack, making it a powerful weapon in persuasive writing and debate.
At the C2 level, your command of 'condemn' must be absolute, reflecting a native-like grasp of its etymology, cultural resonance, and syntactic flexibility. You understand that the word derives from the Latin 'condemnare', intensifying the act of harming or sentencing. This historical weight is present in its modern usage. You can effortlessly deploy the word in highly abstract, academic, or poetic contexts. For instance, in philosophical discourse, you might discuss Sartre's concept that humanity is 'condemned to be free', unpacking the paradox that absolute freedom is experienced as a burden or a sentence rather than a liberation. You are adept at using the noun form, 'condemnation', in complex syntactical structures, such as 'The swift condemnation of the treaty by allied nations precipitated a global economic crisis.' You recognize the subtle register shifts; while 'condemn' is formal, it can be used rhetorically in everyday speech for hyperbolic effect ('I condemn this pizza as an insult to Italy'), though you know exactly when this irony is appropriate. In legal theory, you can debate the ethics of 'condemnation proceedings' in eminent domain cases, balancing the state's power against individual property rights. You are also hyper-aware of collocations and avoid cliches unless used intentionally. You understand that to condemn is to pass a definitive, often irreversible judgment, and you use the word to articulate profound critiques of systemic failures, historical atrocities, or complex moral dilemmas. Your usage reflects a deep integration of the word into your advanced lexicon, allowing for precise, impactful, and elegant communication.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

condemn en 30 secondes

  • Expressing strong, public disapproval of an action or person.
  • Officially declaring a building or structure unsafe for human use.
  • Sentencing someone to a specific punishment in a court of law.
  • Forcing someone into a difficult, inescapable situation or fate.

The word condemn is a powerful verb used to express strong disapproval or to officially declare something as unsafe or wrong. When individuals, especially those in positions of authority, condemn an action, they are making a public and unequivocal statement that the behavior is unacceptable and violates established moral, ethical, or legal standards. This term is frequently encountered in news reports, political speeches, and official statements where leaders address crises, crimes, or human rights violations. Understanding how to use this word allows learners to articulate strong opposition and comprehend serious discourse in English.

Moral and Social Disapproval
In its most common usage, condemning something means expressing deep moral outrage. Society condemns actions like theft, violence, and discrimination because they harm individuals and disrupt social harmony. This form of condemnation is not just a personal dislike; it is a collective rejection of behaviors that threaten the well-being of the community.

The international community was quick to condemn the unprovoked attack on the peaceful protesters.

Beyond moral disapproval, the word has specific legal and structural applications. In a legal context, a judge may condemn a convicted criminal to a specific punishment, such as a prison sentence. This usage highlights the authority and finality of the judicial system. Similarly, in urban planning and real estate, local governments have the power to condemn buildings. When a building is condemned, it means inspectors have determined it is structurally unsound, posing a severe risk to anyone who enters or lives there.

Structural Condemnation
When a city official condemns a property, they issue a legal order prohibiting its use. This often happens after severe damage from natural disasters, fires, or long-term neglect. The condemned building must either be extensively repaired to meet safety codes or demolished entirely.

After the earthquake, the city engineers had to condemn over fifty residential buildings due to severe foundation damage.

Another nuanced use of the word relates to forcing someone into a difficult or unpleasant situation. For instance, a lack of education might condemn a person to a life of poverty. In this sense, the word implies a sense of doom or an inescapable fate. It suggests that external circumstances or past actions have locked an individual into a negative trajectory from which it is difficult to escape.

Metaphorical Doom
This metaphorical usage is common in literature and dramatic speech. It emphasizes the severity of a situation and the lack of agency the subject has in changing their outcome. It paints a picture of being trapped by circumstances.

His refusal to adapt to new technologies seemed to condemn his business to inevitable failure.

In summary, the verb condemn is versatile but always carries a heavy, serious tone. Whether applied to unethical behavior, unsafe architecture, legal sentencing, or inescapable fate, it denotes a strong, negative judgment. Mastering this word is essential for engaging with complex topics in English, from reading the daily news to discussing philosophy and law. It empowers speakers to express profound disagreement and to understand the mechanisms of societal and legal regulation.

Using the word condemn correctly requires an understanding of its serious tone and the specific grammatical structures associated with it. Because it is a strong word, it is not typically used for minor annoyances or trivial disagreements. You would not condemn a friend for being five minutes late, but you would condemn a politician for accepting bribes. The context must warrant the severity of the word. Let us explore the primary ways this verb is structured in sentences across different contexts.

Subject + Condemn + Object
The most straightforward way to use the word is in a simple subject-verb-object structure. The subject is usually a person, group, or organization expressing the disapproval, and the object is the action, policy, or person being disapproved of.

The human rights organization will condemn the new law.

Often, we want to specify exactly what aspect of a person's behavior is being condemned. In these cases, we use the structure 'condemn [someone] for [something]'. The preposition 'for' introduces the reason for the condemnation. This is highly common in news reporting and official statements where clarity about the offense is necessary.

Condemn [Someone] For [Action]
This structure clearly links the person being judged with the specific action that triggered the judgment. The action is usually expressed as a noun or a gerund (an -ing verb acting as a noun).

The committee voted to condemn the manager for ignoring safety protocols.

When discussing legal sentencing or metaphorical doom, the preposition 'to' is essential. The structure 'condemn [someone/something] to [fate/punishment]' illustrates that the subject is forcing the object into a negative state. This usage is dramatic and final.

Condemn [Someone] To [Fate]
This pattern is used in courts of law (e.g., condemned to prison) or in descriptive language to indicate a lack of choice or a doomed future (e.g., condemned to live in poverty).

The judge decided to condemn the thief to ten years in the state penitentiary.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

In the passive voice, the word is frequently used to describe buildings or properties. When a building is declared unsafe, we say 'The building was condemned.' The focus here is on the status of the building rather than the specific official who made the declaration. This passive construction is standard in real estate and municipal administration.

Because of the black mold and structural rot, the old hospital was finally condemned.

By mastering these structures—direct object, 'for' indicating reason, 'to' indicating fate, and the passive voice for properties—you can deploy the word condemn accurately across a wide range of formal and informal contexts. It is a robust vocabulary word that adds precision and gravity to your English communication.

The word condemn is pervasive in formal English, particularly in domains that deal with ethics, law, governance, and public safety. Because it conveys a strong, official, or collective judgment, it is less common in casual, everyday conversation about mundane topics. Instead, it is a staple of journalistic, political, and academic registers. Recognizing the contexts where this word frequently appears will help you understand its nuances and anticipate its usage in advanced reading and listening materials.

News and Journalism
News anchors and journalists use condemn daily when reporting on international relations, domestic politics, and social issues. When a tragic event occurs, such as a terrorist attack or a severe breach of law, reporters will detail which leaders or nations have stepped forward to condemn the act. It is a standard part of the diplomatic vocabulary.

The Prime Minister held a press conference to strongly condemn the recent acts of vandalism in the capital.

In political discourse, the word is used as a tool to draw clear moral lines. Politicians condemn the policies of their opponents, human rights abuses in foreign countries, or systemic injustices. It is a way of signaling to the public where a leader stands on a critical issue. The phrase 'strongly condemn' is a common collocation in these political statements, emphasizing the depth of the disapproval.

Legal and Judicial Settings
Inside a courtroom, the word takes on a very literal and binding meaning. While 'sentence' is more commonly used today for handing down a punishment, 'condemn' is still used in legal texts and historical contexts to describe the act of finding someone guilty and assigning a penalty, particularly the death penalty (e.g., a condemned prisoner).

The jury found him guilty on all charges, leading the judge to condemn him to life imprisonment without parole.

Another major area where you will hear this word is in urban planning, real estate, and public health. City inspectors, fire marshals, and health departments have the authority to condemn properties. If you are watching a documentary about urban decay or reading an article about housing crises, you will frequently encounter descriptions of condemned buildings. These are structures deemed unfit for human habitation due to safety violations.

Literature and Philosophy
In literature, authors use the word to explore themes of fate, destiny, and societal judgment. Characters might be condemned by their tragic flaws, or a philosopher might argue that humanity is condemned to be free (as Jean-Paul Sartre famously stated). This metaphorical use adds dramatic weight to the text.

Sartre argued that man is condemned to be free, meaning we bear the absolute responsibility for our choices.

In conclusion, while you might not use condemn when chatting with friends about a bad movie, you will absolutely need it when discussing the news, analyzing a novel, or understanding legal and political systems. It is a word that bridges the gap between everyday disapproval and formal, institutional judgment.

While condemn is a highly useful word, its strong meaning and specific grammatical requirements often lead to mistakes for English learners. These errors usually fall into three categories: using the word in contexts that are too casual, confusing the prepositions that follow it, and mixing it up with similar but distinct words like 'condone' or 'criticize'. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can refine your vocabulary and use condemn with native-like accuracy.

Mistake 1: Using it for minor issues
Because condemn means to express very strong, often official disapproval, it sounds unnatural and overly dramatic when applied to small, everyday annoyances. It is a word reserved for serious moral, legal, or safety issues.

Incorrect: I condemn my brother for eating the last slice of pizza.

Correct: I was annoyed at my brother for eating the last slice of pizza.

Another frequent error involves the prepositions used after the verb. When you want to state the reason for the condemnation, you must use 'for'. Learners sometimes mistakenly use 'about' or 'because of'. When expressing the fate or punishment someone is forced into, the correct preposition is 'to'. Mixing these up can confuse the listener and disrupt the flow of the sentence.

Mistake 2: Incorrect Prepositions
Remember the formulas: Condemn someone FOR an action. Condemn someone TO a fate.

Incorrect: The UN condemned the country about its human rights record.

Correct: The UN condemned the country for its human rights record.

A particularly dangerous mistake is confusing 'condemn' with 'condone'. Despite sounding somewhat similar and starting with the same prefix, these words are near opposites. To condemn is to strongly disapprove, while to condone is to accept or allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive. Mixing these up completely reverses the meaning of your sentence.

Mistake 3: Confusing Condemn and Condone
Always double-check which word you are using. If you want to say something is bad, use condemn. If you are saying someone is ignoring bad behavior and letting it happen, use condone.

Incorrect (if meaning to disapprove): We cannot condone this violent behavior; it is unacceptable.

Correct: We must condemn this violent behavior; it is unacceptable.

Finally, learners sometimes use condemn when a milder word like 'criticize' or 'disapprove' would be more appropriate. While you can criticize a movie, a restaurant, or a friend's outfit, you would not condemn them unless they were fundamentally immoral or dangerous. Reserving condemn for situations that truly warrant it preserves the word's impact and demonstrates a sophisticated grasp of English nuance.

To fully master the word condemn, it is helpful to explore its synonyms and related terms. English offers a rich variety of words to express disapproval, ranging from mild criticism to severe, formal denunciation. Understanding the subtle differences between these words allows you to choose the exact term that fits the context, tone, and severity of the situation you are describing. Let us look at some of the most common words related to condemn and how they differ.

Criticize
Criticize is a much broader and generally milder word than condemn. When you criticize something, you point out its faults or negative aspects. You can criticize a book, a policy, or a person's performance. Unlike condemn, criticism can sometimes be constructive (aimed at helping someone improve) and does not necessarily imply moral outrage.

The teacher criticized the student's essay for poor grammar, but did not condemn the student's effort.

When the disapproval becomes more formal and public, words like 'denounce' and 'censure' come into play. Denounce is very close in meaning to condemn. It means to publicly declare something to be wrong or evil. It is often used in political contexts. Censure is a formal, official reprimand, usually issued by a governing body or organization against one of its members.

Denounce and Censure
Denounce carries a sense of public vocalization against an evil. Censure is highly formal and administrative. A parliament might censure a minister for misconduct, which is a formal way of condemning their actions on the official record.

The activist took to the stage to denounce the corrupt corporation, urging the government to officially condemn their practices.

In legal and structural contexts, other synonyms apply. When a judge condemns a person to a punishment, they 'sentence' them. When a city condemns a building, they might 'declare it unfit' or 'order its demolition'. Understanding these domain-specific alternatives is crucial for accurate comprehension of specialized texts.

Sentence and Doom
Sentence is the standard legal term for assigning punishment. Doom is a more poetic or dramatic synonym for the metaphorical use of condemn, meaning to ensure a terrible fate.

The prophecy seemed to doom the kingdom to ruin, much like the poor economic policies condemned the modern nation to debt.

By expanding your vocabulary to include criticize, denounce, censure, sentence, and doom, you create a network of meaning around the word condemn. This not only helps you understand condemn better but also elevates your overall English proficiency, allowing you to express shades of meaning with precision and confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

The police condemn the robbery.

The police say the robbery is very bad.

Subject (police) + Verb (condemn) + Object (robbery).

2

We condemn bad behavior in school.

We do not accept bad behavior in school.

Used in the present simple to state a general rule.

3

The mayor will condemn the old house.

The mayor will say the old house is unsafe.

Future tense with 'will'.

4

They condemn people who steal.

They say people who steal are bad.

Used with a relative clause 'who steal'.

5

I condemn violence of any kind.

I hate and speak against all violence.

First person singular present tense.

6

The city condemns broken buildings.

The city closes buildings that are broken.

Third person singular adds 's' (condemns).

7

Leaders must condemn the attack.

Leaders have to say the attack is wrong.

Used with the modal verb 'must' for obligation.

8

Do you condemn his actions?

Do you think what he did was very bad?

Question form using 'Do'.

1

The community gathered to condemn the recent vandalism in the park.

People met to say the park damage was terrible.

Infinitive of purpose: 'to condemn'.

2

She was condemned for lying to the judge.

She was judged harshly because she lied.

Passive voice with 'for' + gerund (lying).

3

The health inspector condemned the dirty restaurant.

The inspector closed the restaurant because it was not clean.

Past simple tense.

4

They strongly condemn the use of plastic bags.

They are very much against using plastic bags.

Adverb 'strongly' modifies the verb.

5

If the roof falls, they will condemn the building.

If the roof breaks, the building will be closed forever.

First conditional sentence.

6

He condemned his friend for not helping him.

He was very angry at his friend for not helping.

Condemn + object + for + gerund.

7

The whole town condemned the thief's actions.

Everyone in town said the thief was wrong.

'The whole town' acts as a collective subject.

8

We cannot condemn him without proof.

We cannot say he is guilty if we don't have evidence.

Negative modal 'cannot' + base verb.

1

The international committee quickly condemned the human rights violations.

The global group immediately spoke out against the abuses.

Adverb 'quickly' placed before the past tense verb.

2

Because of the severe earthquake damage, the apartment complex was condemned.

The apartments were declared unsafe to live in due to the quake.

Passive voice used for property status.

3

Many citizens condemned the government for raising taxes during a crisis.

People criticized the government heavily for the tax increase.

Condemn + object + for + noun phrase.

4

His lack of education condemned him to a life of low-paying jobs.

Not having a degree forced him into a difficult financial future.

Metaphorical use: condemn + object + to + noun phrase.

5

The president issued a statement to condemn the terrorist attack.

The leader released a formal message calling the attack evil.

Infinitive phrase explaining the purpose of the statement.

6

It is unfair to condemn a whole group for the actions of one person.

You shouldn't judge everyone based on what one individual did.

'It is' + adjective + infinitive structure.

7

The prisoner was condemned to ten years in the maximum-security facility.

The criminal was sentenced to a decade in prison.

Legal use: passive voice + to + time period.

8

Environmentalists widely condemned the decision to cut down the ancient forest.

Nature lovers everywhere protested the choice to destroy the old trees.

Adverb 'widely' shows broad agreement in the action.

1

The prime minister unequivocally condemned the opposition's attempt to block the healthcare bill.

The leader completely and clearly rejected the attempt to stop the bill.

Advanced adverb 'unequivocally' modifying the verb.

2

After years of neglect, the historic theater was finally condemned by the city council.

The old theater was officially declared unsafe after being ignored for a long time.

Passive voice with an agent ('by the city council').

3

Those who ignore the warnings of climate change are condemning future generations to environmental disaster.

Ignoring global warming forces our children to face a ruined planet.

Present continuous tense used for a future metaphorical outcome.

4

The board of directors moved to condemn the CEO's unethical financial practices.

The company leaders took action to officially disapprove of the CEO's bad money habits.

'Moved to' indicates a formal procedural action.

5

She felt condemned by her past mistakes, unable to move forward with her career.

She felt trapped and judged by her history, stopping her progress.

Participle adjective use ('felt condemned').

6

The UN resolution condemned the military coup in the strongest possible terms.

The official UN document used very harsh language to reject the army takeover.

Collocation: 'in the strongest possible terms'.

7

Rather than condemn the teenager, the judge offered him a chance at rehabilitation.

Instead of punishing the youth, the judge gave him a chance to improve.

'Rather than' + base verb used for contrast.

8

The novel explores how society condemns those who do not conform to its strict rules.

The book looks at how people punish anyone who is different.

Abstract noun 'society' as the subject.

1

The philosopher argued that humanity is condemned to be free, bearing the crushing weight of absolute responsibility.

The thinker said we are forced to have free will, which is a heavy burden.

Existential metaphorical use; passive infinitive construction.

2

The unanimous condemnation of the treaty by the allied nations precipitated a sudden economic downturn.

Everyone rejecting the agreement caused the economy to drop quickly.

Noun form 'condemnation' used as the subject of the clause.

3

Local residents vehemently condemned the city's use of eminent domain to seize their ancestral properties.

People angrily protested the government taking their family land legally.

Adverb 'vehemently' adds intense emotional weight.

4

He was condemned not by a jury of his peers, but by the relentless scrutiny of the public eye.

He wasn't judged in court, but ruined by the media and public opinion.

Correlative conjunctions 'not by... but by' for rhetorical contrast.

5

The architectural review board condemned the proposed skyscraper as a monolithic eyesore that would ruin the skyline.

The committee rejected the building design, calling it ugly and destructive to the view.

Condemn + object + as + noun phrase (expressing an opinion).

6

To condemn the entire ideology based on the actions of a radical fringe is a logical fallacy.

Rejecting a whole belief system because of a few extremists is bad reasoning.

Infinitive phrase acting as the subject of the sentence.

7

The dictator's regime was characterized by its swiftness to condemn any dissenting voices to the gulag.

The cruel government quickly sent anyone who disagreed to prison camps.

Condemn + object + to + destination (historical/political context).

8

Critics condemned the author's latest work for its derivative plot and lack of character development.

Reviewers harshly judged the book because the story was unoriginal and the characters were flat.

Academic/literary criticism context.

1

The systemic failures of the institution effectively condemned the marginalized communities to perpetual disenfranchisement.

The broken system forced poor groups to remain powerless forever.

Highly abstract subject and object; complex vocabulary ('disenfranchisement').

2

In a scathing editorial, the journalist condemned the administration's palliative measures as woefully inadequate.

In a harsh article, the writer said the government's small fixes were completely useless.

Condemn + object + as + adjective phrase.

3

The protagonist's tragic flaw ultimately condemns him to a fate far worse than mere mortality.

The hero's main weakness forces him into a terrible, eternal punishment.

Literary analysis register; use of 'ultimately' for narrative finality.

4

The resolution was drafted with such deliberate ambiguity that it failed to condemn the atrocities explicitly.

The document was written so vaguely that it didn't clearly state the crimes were bad.

Infinitive of result following 'failed to'.

5

To summarily condemn the historical figure without contextualizing the era's mores is an act of presentism.

Judging someone from the past quickly without understanding their time is unfair.

Adverb 'summarily' indicating action taken without proper procedure or thought.

6

The dilapidated estate, long condemned by the municipality, stood as a grim testament to the family's squandered fortune.

The ruined house, officially closed by the city, showed how the family wasted their money.

Participial phrase 'long condemned by the municipality' modifying the subject.

7

Her silence during the debate was widely interpreted as a tacit condemnation of her colleague's controversial remarks.

Because she didn't speak, people thought she secretly disapproved of what her partner said.

Noun form 'condemnation' modified by 'tacit' (unspoken).

8

The appellate court reversed the lower court's decision, refusing to condemn the defendant on purely circumstantial evidence.

The higher court changed the ruling, saying they wouldn't punish the person without solid proof.

Legal register; 'refusing to condemn' showing judicial restraint.

Synonymes

criticize denounce blame censure disapprove

Antonymes

praise approve commend

Collocations courantes

strongly condemn
widely condemned
internationally condemned
quick to condemn
condemn the violence
condemn the attack
condemned to death
condemned building
condemn an action
publicly condemn

Phrases Courantes

condemn in the strongest terms

condemned to repeat it

stand condemned

condemn out of hand

condemn to history

a condemned man

condemn to obscurity

condemn to failure

condemn the use of

refuse to condemn

Souvent confondu avec

condemn vs condone

condemn vs contemn

condemn vs criticize

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

condemn vs

condemn vs

condemn vs

condemn vs

condemn vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

note

Do not confuse 'condemn' (to disapprove) with 'condone' (to approve or allow). They look similar but are opposites.

context warning

Using 'condemn' in a casual setting (e.g., 'I condemn this restaurant') sounds sarcastic or overly dramatic.

Erreurs courantes
  • Pronouncing the 'n' at the end of the word (saying con-dem-en instead of con-dem).
  • Using 'condone' when they actually mean 'condemn', completely reversing the meaning of the sentence.
  • Using the preposition 'about' instead of 'for' (e.g., saying 'condemned about stealing' instead of 'condemned for stealing').
  • Using the word for trivial, everyday complaints (e.g., 'I condemn this traffic jam').
  • Forgetting the 'n' in spelling because it is silent (spelling it 'condem').

Astuces

The Silent N

Always remember that the 'n' at the end of condemn is silent. Say it like 'con-dem'. However, when you add a suffix that starts with a vowel, like in 'condemnation', the 'n' is pronounced. Practice saying 'condemn' and 'condemnation' back-to-back to feel the difference. This is a common spelling and pronunciation trap for learners.

Preposition Power: FOR vs TO

Mastering the prepositions is key to using this word correctly. Use 'for' when explaining the bad action: 'condemned FOR lying'. Use 'to' when explaining the punishment or fate: 'condemned TO ten years in prison'. Mixing these up sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Memorize these two patterns.

Condemn vs. Condone

These two words look similar but have opposite meanings. Condemn means to say NO to bad behavior. Condone means to say YES (or ignore) bad behavior. A good leader condemns violence. A bad leader condones it. Write these two sentences down to remember the difference.

Reserve for Serious Situations

Do not waste this powerful word on minor annoyances. If your soup is cold, criticize it. If a company is dumping toxic waste into a river, condemn it. Using strong vocabulary correctly shows that you understand the emotional weight of English words. It makes your serious arguments much more effective.

The Real Estate Meaning

Don't get confused if you hear about a 'condemned house'. It doesn't mean the house committed a crime! In real estate and city planning, condemning a building just means declaring it legally unsafe. This is a very common usage in local news and documentaries about urban areas.

Learn the History Quote

The phrase 'condemned to repeat it' is an excellent idiom to use in essays or high-level discussions. It shows a deep understanding of English cultural references. Use it when talking about people making the same mistakes over and over. It instantly elevates your speaking or writing level.

Use Adverbs for Emphasis

When writing persuasive essays, pair condemn with strong adverbs. Phrases like 'strongly condemn', 'unequivocally condemn', or 'widely condemned' make your writing sound professional and authoritative. This is exactly how journalists and politicians speak. It adds punch to your sentences.

Remember the N for Suffixes

Even though the 'n' is silent in the base verb, you must write it. Why? Because it appears in the word family. Think of 'condemnation'. If you forget the 'n' in condemn, you will misspell the whole word family. Link it in your mind to words like 'autumn' and 'autumnal'.

News Broadcast Cue

When you watch English news, listen for the word condemn. It is a major cue that the reporter is talking about a conflict, a crime, or a political scandal. Recognizing this word quickly will help you understand the main topic of the news story even if you miss other words.

The Dramatic 'Doom'

In literature, 'condemn' is often used metaphorically to mean 'doom'. If a character is 'condemned to a life of sadness', it means they have no choice; fate has forced them into it. Recognizing this dramatic usage will help you enjoy English novels and poetry much more.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Con-DEMN ends with 'damn', which is a bad word. When you condemn something, you are saying it is damn bad!

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

In British English, 'condemn' is frequently used in the context of housing (e.g., 'condemned estates'), while in American English, it is heavily used in political rhetoric regarding foreign policy.

Historically used in religious contexts to mean 'doomed to hell', which gives the word its severe, ultimate weight in modern English.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Can you think of a recent event that world leaders were quick to condemn?"

"Why do you think it is important for society to publicly condemn certain actions?"

"Have you ever seen a condemned building in your city? What did it look like?"

"Do you agree with the quote that those who forget history are condemned to repeat it?"

"What is the difference between criticizing a friend and condemning their actions?"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you felt strongly enough to condemn an action you witnessed.

Describe a condemned building you have seen. What do you think its history was?

If you were a world leader, what is one global issue you would strongly condemn and why?

Reflect on the phrase 'condemned to repeat history'. How does this apply to your own life?

Write a short story about a character who is condemned to a strange fate.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is pronounced con-DEM. The 'n' at the end is completely silent. The stress is on the second syllable. It rhymes with 'gem' or 'stem'. You do pronounce the 'n' in the noun form, condemnation (con-dem-NAY-shun).

They are opposites. To condemn means to strongly say something is bad and unacceptable. To condone means to ignore bad behavior and allow it to happen. For example, a good teacher condemns bullying, but a bad teacher might condone it by looking the other way. Be careful not to mix them up!

It is not recommended. Condemn is a very strong word. If you use it for small things, like 'I condemn this bad cup of coffee', people will think you are joking or being overly dramatic. Use words like 'dislike' or 'criticize' for small things, and save 'condemn' for serious issues.

A condemned building is a structure that a local government has officially declared unsafe to enter or live in. This usually happens because the building is very old, damaged by a fire, or has severe health hazards like toxic mold. It is illegal to live in a condemned building. It must be fixed or torn down.

It depends on what you are trying to say. If you are giving the reason for the judgment, use 'for' (e.g., condemned for stealing). If you are talking about a punishment or a forced fate, use 'to' (e.g., condemned to prison, condemned to repeat history). Never use 'about' or 'because of' directly after the object.

Yes, it is generally considered a formal word. You will see it most often in newspapers, legal documents, political speeches, and academic writing. While you can use it in speech, it is usually reserved for serious discussions about ethics, law, or safety.

This is part of a famous quote by philosopher George Santayana: 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' It means that if people do not learn from historical mistakes, they are forced by fate to make those exact same mistakes again in the future.

The passive voice is very common with this word. You use the verb 'to be' plus 'condemned'. For example: 'The thief was condemned by the judge.' Or, for buildings: 'The old hospital was condemned.' This focuses the sentence on the person or thing receiving the judgment.

The noun form is 'condemnation'. It means the act of condemning or the state of being condemned. For example: 'The mayor's condemnation of the violence was broadcast on television.' Notice that in the noun form, you do pronounce the 'n' (con-dem-NAY-shun).

Yes, there are several. 'Denounce' is very similar and means to publicly declare something wrong. 'Censure' is a formal, official reprimand. 'Criticize' is a milder synonym. In legal contexts, 'sentence' or 'convict' are related. For metaphorical uses, 'doom' is a good synonym.

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