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Definition of scathing

scathing

/ˈskeɪ.ðɪŋ/
scath · ing
Adverb:scathingly
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scathing Lexical Profile

scathing Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Witheringly scornful or severely critical.

Example

"The investigative panel released a scathing report on the company's safety violations."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for scathing

• Nearby Words

scarved
scary
scat
scathing
scathingly
scatter
scatterbrain

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed as a participial adjective from the verb scathe ('to harm or injure'), which entered Middle English from Old Norse skaða, meaning 'to damage or hurt'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Scathing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/scathing
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