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

People who avoid accountability say the darnedest things.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

One simple way to prevent this is to do your darnedest not to think, "Hm, this gravy looks thin ... I should probably sprinkle some flour over top nily wily."

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2022

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

“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