Lost decisively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Lost decisively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been defeated in a clear and unmistakable manner. Example: "The team lost decisively in the championship game, leaving no doubt about the winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both lost decisively.

The New York Times

A series of votes on different clauses were lost decisively.

The Guardian

Poland held elections — which the country's Communists lost, decisively.

The New York Times

The Democrats lost decisively the presidential elections of 1920 , 1924 and 1928.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She lost decisively, mustering a paltry 90 votes out of 2,861 (or 3.1%).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. McCain, as it happens, matched that percentage in 2008, but lost decisively to Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Germany, the biggest European economy, is well on its way to making a key mistake blamed for Japan's "lost decade" of economic stagnation in the 1990s — failing to clean up its banks decisively.

The New York Times

He moves decisively.

The New Yorker

"No," he replied decisively.

The New York Times

Lisette spoke sharply, decisively.

The New Yorker

decisively reduced the polarization.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Lost decisively" to clearly communicate a situation where a defeat was both significant and left no room for ambiguity. It's particularly useful in political, sports, or competitive contexts where the margin of loss is important.

Common error

While "Lost decisively" is a perfectly valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "lost badly" or "got beat" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

"Lost decisively" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which something was lost. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It emphasizes the extent and clarity of the defeat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Lost decisively" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that effectively conveys a clear and unambiguous defeat. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and other sources requiring a neutral tone. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for situations where emphasizing the scale of the loss is important, and avoid overusing it in casual settings where simpler language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "soundly defeated" or "crushing defeat" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incurred a decisive defeat

Mirrors the original phrase but uses 'incurred' to emphasize the experience of the loss.

Was thoroughly beaten

Implies a complete and comprehensive defeat, leaving no room for doubt.

Was convincingly beaten

Emphasizes the undeniable and persuasive nature of the defeat.

Was comprehensively defeated

Highlights the extent to which the defeat covered all aspects.

Was soundly defeated

Highlights the completeness and thoroughness of the defeat.

Was overwhelmingly defeated

Stresses the large margin and scale of the defeat.

Suffered a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the severity and impact of the loss.

Met with utter defeat

Underscores the completeness and finality of the loss.

Experienced a resounding loss

Focuses on the unequivocal and impactful nature of the defeat.

Succumbed to a major loss

Focuses on the act of giving in and the significance of the loss.

FAQs

How can I use "Lost decisively" in a sentence?

You can use "Lost decisively" to describe a clear and unambiguous defeat in various contexts. For example: "The team "lost decisively" in the final game", or "The proposal "lost decisively" during the vote".

What are some alternatives to "Lost decisively"?

Alternatives include phrases like "soundly defeated", "suffered a crushing defeat", or "was thoroughly beaten", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "Lost decisively" or "Lost badly"?

"Lost decisively" carries a more formal tone compared to "lost badly". The former is suitable for news reports, academic papers, or business communications, while the latter is better suited for informal conversations.

What's the difference between "Lost decisively" and "Lost narrowly"?

"Lost decisively" indicates a clear and significant defeat, while "lost narrowly" suggests a close and marginal defeat. The key difference lies in the margin of loss and the degree of certainty in the outcome.