extremamente duramente criticado

You use this when the level of disapproval is off the charts. It usually follows a noun like a movie, a book, or a politician's decision. You will often see it with the verb ser (to be). For example: O filme foi extremamente duramente criticado. It sounds heavy because the situation is heavy. Don't use it for a small disagreement over pizza toppings.

Use it in professional settings or when discussing news. It fits perfectly in a business meeting about a failed project. It works well when venting to friends about a terrible service you received. You can use it in a text when a celebrity does something controversial. It adds a layer of seriousness to your gossip. It shows you aren't just annoyed; you are stating a fact of failure.

Avoid this for lighthearted teasing. If your friend wears mismatched socks, this phrase is too much. It sounds like a legal indictment. Don't use it if the criticism was constructive or gentle. If your teacher just marked a few typos, you weren't extremamente duramente criticado. Using it there makes you sound like a bit of a drama queen. Keep it for the big disasters.

Portuguese speakers can be very direct when they are unhappy with public services or art. There is a strong culture of debate in Brazil and Portugal. When a public figure messes up, the media doesn't hold back. This phrase reflects that intensity. It’s part of a linguistic trend where we stack adverbs for emphasis. We love to make a point feel bigger than it already is.

You might hear people say arrasado pelos críticos for a more dramatic flair. Some might simplify it to just muito criticado. However, adding extremamente and duramente together is the gold standard for 'total disaster.' It signals to the listener that the situation is beyond saving. It’s the ultimate linguistic 'thumbs down.'