scathing

scathing — adjective

1. describing spoken or written criticism that attacks someone or something using v

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

describing spoken or written criticism that attacks someone or something using very harsh and cruel language

Example

The newspaper published a scathing editorial about the government's handling of the economic crisis.

scathing editorial about + [topic]

The critic gave the film a scathing review, calling it a complete waste of money.

scathing review of + [noun]

Common collocations
  • scathing attack
  • scathing report
  • scathing review
  • scathing criticism
  • scathing remark
  • scathing about
Synonyms
  • harsh

    less intense; can apply to any kind of severity, not only criticism

  • vitriolic

    stronger, suggesting bitter anger and hatred

  • devastating

    focuses on the damaging effect of the criticism

  • caustic

    adds an element of sarcasm or biting wit

Antonyms
  • complimentary

    expressing praise rather than criticism

  • mild

    gentle in tone, opposite of severe

Grammar Patterns

scathing + noun (attack, report, review, remark)

scathing about something/somebody

Usage Note

Often placed before nouns such as attack, report, review, editorial, remark, or criticism. Can also follow a linking verb with about (e.g., the report was scathing about...).

Common Mistakes

The report was scathing with the government's failures.
The report was scathing about the government's failures.
Use about (not with) to introduce the target of the criticism.
She gave him a scathing look when he arrived late.
She made a scathing remark about his constant lateness.
Scathing describes harsh spoken or written language, not facial expressions or gestures.

Word family

  • scathe
    verbC2
  • scathingly
    adverbC1
  • unscathed
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe strong criticism, but they differ in tone and intensity. Harsh is the most general — it covers any severe or unkind judgement, from a strict teacher's comment to a brutal review. Scathing carries the specific sense of language that stings or wounds, like a verbal lashing. Vitriolic is the strongest, suggesting bitter, hate-filled anger (e.g., vitriolic personal attacks). Devastating focuses on the effect — criticism that destroys the target's reputation or argument (e.g., a devastating rebuttal). Caustic adds sarcasm or biting wit — criticism that burns through humour (e.g., caustic remarks about the speaker's credibility). Choose scathing for forceful disapproval in formal contexts; caustic for witty but mean-spirited criticism; devastating for criticism that leaves no defence.

harsh ↗vitriolicdevastating ↗caustic

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • scathing in one's criticism

Prepositions

Etymology

Old NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

From Old Norse 'skathi' (harm, injury), related to the English word 'scathe' (to injure or damage). The modern meaning of harsh criticism developed by the 17th century, based on the idea that critical words cause injury like a physical wound.