Words / C1

in-DYTM-uh-nt/ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

An indictment is a formal accusation of a serious crime, or a sign that a system is badly at fault (an indictment of): a criminal indictment, an indictment of the process. Charge is everyday; printer colour is design, not methods.

Meaning

A formal accusation of a serious crime; also a sign that a system is badly at fault (an indictment of).

Examples

• “An empty n is an indictment of the methods page, not of the printer’s colour.”
• “Charge is everyday. Accusation is wider. Colour is design. A blank cell is methods. Fill the cell; then choose the ink.”

Good to know

A formal charge, or a damning sign. Everyday: charge. Printer colour ≠ methods.

Near in meaning

accusation

New