What does the cryptic crossword clue "One’s utmost effort in French is condemned upfront (9)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). DAMNED (synonym="condemned") + EST (synonym="is") = DAMNEDEST The answer is DAMNEDEST.

One’s utmost effort in French is condemned upfront (9)

Guardian Cryptic #29638 | 14 Down | 2025-03-10 flower