scathing
gb/skˈeɪðɪŋ/ us/skˈeɪðɪŋ/
C1
English
maró, lesújtó, perzselő
C1
1
Usage pattern:
scathing [criticism/attack/review/remark/comment]
The committee issued a scathing report on the company’s safety practices.
A bizottság lesújtó jelentést adott ki a vállalat biztonsági gyakorlatáról.
Her scathing review complained that the service was slow and rude.
Maró hangú kritikájában azt írta, hogy a kiszolgálás lassú és udvariatlan volt.
He received scathing criticism for repeating claims he couldn’t support with evidence.
Learner examples
The article was scathing about the new policy.
A cikk lesújtó kritikát fogalmazott meg az új intézkedésről.
She wrote a scathing comment online.
Maró hangú kommentet írt online.
Common mistake:
Often used for words or opinions (a review, comment, or criticism), not for physical violence.
Meaning
extremely harshly critical
Collocations
scathing criticism
|scathing review
|scathing attack
|scathing remark
|scathing comment
|scathing assessment
|scathing indictment
|scathing rebuke
|a scathing response
|a scathing report
Synonyms
withering (Suggests criticism that destroys confidence or status.)
|
biting (Emphasizes sharp, sarcastic hurtfulness.)
|
searing (Highlights emotional intensity and impact.)
|
cutting (Focuses on words that wound personally.)
|
trenchant (Stresses incisive, sharply expressed criticism (more formal).)
Antonyms
complimentary (Expresses praise rather than criticism.)
|
mild (Not harsh or severe in tone.)
|
measured (Controlled and balanced rather than biting.)
Themes
communication
|emotions
|media
|work
Definition
very strong and very negative; extremely critical
Expressing very strong disapproval in a way that is harsh, biting, and often intended to hurt or embarrass.
C2
LITERARY
2
perzselő
B2
Usage pattern:
scathing [sun/wind/heat]
They crossed the open field under a scathing sun.
Perzselő nap alatt vágtak át a nyílt mezőn.
A scathing wind blew sand into their faces, making it hard to see.
Perzselő szél fújta a homokot az arcukba, így alig láttak.
Learner examples
The scathing sun made us tired.
A perzselő nap kifárasztott minket.
Common mistake:
This physical meaning is rare in modern English; most of the time scathing describes harsh criticism.
Meaning
burning or scorching sensation
Collocations
scathing sun
|scathing wind
|scathing heat
|scathing glare
Synonyms
scorching (More common and direct for extreme heat.)
|
searing (Can describe intense heat or pain; also common figuratively.)
|
burning (General term for heat that feels painful.)
Antonyms
cool (Not hot or burning.)
|
soothing (Comforting rather than stinging.)
Themes
weather
|health
|sensations
Definition
very hot and burning (rare use)
Causing a burning or stinging sensation; scorching.
Grammar
Dictionary form
scathing
IPA
GB/skˈeɪðɪŋ/
US/skˈeɪðɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
scath - ing (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (scath)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: scathing
Expressions
scathing attack
1/skˈeɪðɪŋ ətˈæk/
fixed phrase
strong public criticism
a very harsh criticism of someone or something
Examples
- In a scathing attack, she accused the board of ignoring staff concerns.
- The editorial launched a scathing attack on the city’s housing policy.
- He made a scathing attack on his opponent’s record during the debate.
Learner examples
- The article made a scathing attack on the plan.
scathing criticism
1/skˈeɪðɪŋ kɹˈɪtɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
very harsh criticism
very strong negative criticism
Examples
- The proposal drew scathing criticism from teachers and parents.
- After the scandal, the minister faced scathing criticism in Parliament.
- The app update received scathing criticism for deleting users’ data.
Learner examples
- The plan got scathing criticism.
scathing rebuke
1/skˈeɪðɪŋ ɹɪbjˈuk/
fixed phrase
formal
severe reprimand
a very strong warning or criticism from someone in charge
Examples
- The judge delivered a scathing rebuke to the lawyer for wasting the court’s time.
- The regulator issued a scathing rebuke over the company’s misleading ads.
- She faced a scathing rebuke from her manager after missing the deadline again.
Learner examples
- The teacher gave him a scathing rebuke.
scathing remark
1/skˈeɪðɪŋ ɹɪmˈɑɹk/
fixed phrase
hurtfully critical comment
a very rude, very critical comment
Examples
- He made a scathing remark about her accent, and the room went quiet.
- She responded to the question with a scathing remark and a shrug.
- His scathing remarks upset the team and damaged morale.
Learner examples
- She made a scathing remark about my work.
scathing review
1/skˈeɪðɪŋ ɹɪvjˈu/
fixed phrase
very negative review
a review that says very bad things
Examples
- The restaurant struggled after a scathing review went viral.
- She posted a scathing review of the hotel, complaining about the noise and the smell.
- Several critics wrote scathing reviews of the film’s script.
Learner examples
- He wrote a scathing review online.