condemned

Condemned is an English adjective and the past participle of the verb condemn. It denotes strong disapproval or the declaration that something is unsuitable, unlawful, or dangerous. The term can modify people, objects, actions, or ideas, and is used in both moral and legal contexts. In legal settings, a person may be described as the condemned when sentenced, particularly in capital punishment cases, while in everyday use it can describe public censure or a judgment that something should be avoided.

In architecture and housing, condemned property refers to buildings declared unsafe or unfit for occupancy by authorities, often triggering orders to repair or demolish. In commerce and safety contexts, items may be labeled condemned if they fail safety standards or violate regulations. The related noun is condemnation, which can mean formal disapproval by authorities or the act of declaring someone or something unfit.

The term derives from Latin condemnare, through Old French condemner, meaning to declare guilt, danger, or illegality. The usage spans religious, ethical, and public policy domains, reflecting social or institutional judgments rather than universal fact. Condemnation can carry both moral and legal weight, and its implications differ depending on jurisdiction, context, and the object of the judgment.