4 syllables: Con, dem, na, tion. Stress on na.
kahn-duhm-NAY-shuhn
/ˌkɑndəˈmneɪʃən/
Condemnation is pronounced kahn-duhm-NAY-shuhn (/ˌkɑndəˈmneɪʃən/). It has four syllables (Con-dem-na-tion), with the stress on "na". Condemnation is the act of expressing strong disapproval or denunciation, often publicly, and typically carries moral or legal judgment. It refers to the formal or forceful criticism of beliefs, actions, or persons, sometimes accompanied by penalties or social sanction. The term emphasizes declaring wrongdoing and urging others to condemn it.
nounCondemnation is the act of expressing strong disapproval or denunciation, often publicly, and typically carries moral or legal judgment. It refers to the formal or forceful criticism of beliefs, actions, or persons, sometimes accompanied by penalties or social sanction. The term emphasizes declaring wrongdoing and urging others to condemn it.
"The council issued a condemnation of the new policy, calling it ineffective and unjust."
"Her condemnation of the corruption scandal was echoed by a broad coalition of voters."
"The sermon focused on condemnation of deceit and urged the congregation to repent."
Condemnation is pronounced con-DEM-nay-shun with primary stress on the third syllable. IPA: US kənˌdɛmˈneɪʃən; UK kənˌdemˈneɪʃən; AU kənˌdemˈneɪʃən. Start with a stressed deMN segment, then a clear -ay- vowel, ending with -ʃən. Keep your tongue relaxed before the nasal sound and ensure the ending -tion connects smoothly.
Two common errors: misplacing the stress (saying con-DEM-nation with incorrect emphasis) and pronouncing the -n- as a hard, separate syllable or mispronouncing -tion as -tion (shock-ting). Correction: place primary stress on the third syllable -ˈneɪ-; ensure the -ɪə- sound in -neɪ- is a single diphthong rather than two vowels; finish with a weak, quick -ʃən to avoid a choppy ending.
In US, the syllables flow as kən-ˌdɛm-ˈneɪ-ʃən with a stronger schwa in the first syllable. UK tends to a crisper /ˈdem/ with slightly reduced rhotics and a more pronounced -neɪ-; AU mirrors US rhotics but often features a flatter vowel quality and faster rhythm. All share the -ʃən ending; the main variance is stress realignment and vowel quality across dialects.
Because it combines a multi-syllabic stress pattern with a tricky /d-/ cluster early in the word and a two-letter -tion ending that often yields a -ʃən sound rather than a fully pronounced -tion. The diphthong in -neɪ- can be subtle, and speakers may neutralize vowels in rapid speech. Practicing the sequence con- DEM- na- tion helps stabilize the rhythm.
In standard varieties, -tion in condemnation surfaces as -ʃən, a light, palatalized -t- followed by -i- reduced to a schwa and then -n. It’s typically not fully pronounced as -tion; the audio outcome is a soft -ʃən. In careful or formal speech, you might clearly articulate -ʃən; in fast speech, it often sounds like -ʃn̩ or -ʃən.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Condemnation"!
US: rhotic, fuller r in 'con-den-ˈneɪ-ʃən' with brighter vowels; UK: non-rhotic or slightly rhotic depending on speaker, crisper 'd-ˈdem' and tighter -neɪ-; AU: similar to US but with more centralized vowels and faster cadence; IPA references: US kənˌdɛmˈneɪʃən, UK kənˌdemˈneɪʃən, AU kənˌdemˈneɪʃən.
Condemnation comes from the Latin verb condemnare, formed from con- (together) and damnare (to condemn, to damn). The root damn- derives from Latin damnum (loss, injury) and ultimately from Greek en… The English noun condemnation appeared in the 14th–15th centuries, initially tied to formal judgment or legal censure. Over time, its use broadened to moral, social, and political denunciation. The word carries weight: it implies authoritative judgment and public stigma, often implying consequences beyond private disapproval. In contemporary use, condemnation can describe official verdicts, moral rebukes, or pervasive social critique. The syllable structure (con-demn-a-tion) emphasizes the second syllable stress historically, though pronunciation can vary slightly by dialect. First known uses appear in legal and ecclesiastical contexts, evolving into common political and media usage as societies debated authority and accountability. The process of condemnation often accompanies formal statements, press releases, or sermons that aim to rally collective moral sentiment. By the modern era, condemnation has retained its formal, sometimes prosecutorial connotation, while also appearing in everyday discourse as a strong negative judgment.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Condemnation" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Condemnation" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Condemnation" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Condemnation"
-ion sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
