I was defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that someone has lost a competition, battle, or challenge in the past. Example: "After a long and grueling match, I was defeated by my opponent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I was defeated.

The New York Times - Travel

pic.twitter.com/igcOeAaxkY #AskNigelFarage 'Waterloo, I was defeated you won the war'.

Independent

I was defeated and bullied in the toxic environment that schools have become.

The Guardian

I was defeated in that enterprise by the demands of maintenance.

The New York Times - Arts

In the English Civil Wars, the absolutist king Charles I was defeated by the forces of Parliament and eventually executed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The decisive Battle of Naseby (1645), in which King Charles I was defeated, was fought just north of Naseby near the county's northern border.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"And when I heard it was defeated overwhelmingly, I thought it served him right".

The New York Times

Had I been defeated?

The New York Times

"I am defeated by the rationale of it," he says.

The Economist

I am defeated and also feel hardened against my sweet girl.

The Washington Post

He told the court: "I will never contact them again if I'm defeated rationally in court – and I cannot say I have been today".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was defeated" to express a personal experience of loss in a specific event or competition. It emphasizes your role and the direct impact of the defeat on you.

Common error

While "I was defeated" is generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "I suffered a setback" or "Our proposal was rejected" in professional or academic writing to maintain a higher level of formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was defeated" functions as a statement expressing a past event where the speaker experienced a loss or setback. It uses the passive voice to emphasize the action of being defeated rather than the actor causing the defeat, as shown in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was defeated" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a past experience of loss. Ludwig AI indicates its acceptability and versatility across different contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and wikis. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives for professional or academic writing. When writing, using the phrase "I was defeated" allows you to emphasize the personal impact of the loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I lost

A more concise and informal way of expressing defeat.

I was beaten

Similar to "I was defeated", but can imply a more decisive loss.

I suffered a defeat

More formal and emphasizes the experience of being defeated.

I succumbed

Implies giving in to something powerful or overwhelming.

I was overcome

Suggests being overwhelmed by circumstances, leading to defeat.

I failed

Focuses on the lack of success rather than the act of being defeated by something else.

I was conquered

Suggests a complete and decisive defeat, often in a more figurative sense.

I yielded

Implies giving up or surrendering, which results in defeat.

I was humbled

Focuses on the emotional impact of defeat, suggesting a lesson learned.

I met my match

Highlights the strength of the opponent or challenge that led to defeat.

FAQs

What does "I was defeated" mean?

The phrase "I was defeated" means that you lost or were overcome in a competition, battle, or other type of challenge. It indicates a personal experience of loss.

What can I say instead of "I was defeated"?

You can use alternatives like "I lost", "I was beaten", or "I suffered a defeat" depending on the context.

Is "I was defeated" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was defeated" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-object structure in English, using the past passive voice.

When is it appropriate to use "I was defeated"?

It's appropriate to use "I was defeated" in situations where you want to express a personal experience of losing, whether in a game, argument, or any other type of contest. Consider your audience and the desired level of formality. Depending on the context, a more formal alternative such as "I suffered a setback" might be more suitable.