a complete defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

"a complete defeat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone or something has been completely defeated or overpowered in a particular situation or competition. Example: The team suffered a complete defeat in the championship game, losing by a score of 10-0.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The final troop withdrawal marks a complete defeat for Bush's Iraq project.

The Guardian - Opinion

By any military standards, Mr Sharon and his compatriots had turned the Egyptian attack into a complete defeat.

The Economist

In 410, commanding 20 ships, Theramenes collaborated with Alcibiades and the main Athenian fleet in inflicting a complete defeat on the Peloponnesian fleet near Cyzicus on the shore of the Propontis (Sea of Marmara).

Encyclopedia Britannica

While part of the British force held the Americans engaged, General Cornwallis, with the rest, made a secret 17-mile (27-km) detour and fell with crushing effect on the American right and rear, the result being a complete defeat from which Washington was fortunate to extricate his army in fairly good order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is not a complete defeat for DP, merely a suggestion of how such defeat might be sought.

SEP

He also said the ruling was not a complete defeat for workers.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Although the PGA-NOC did not gain Olympic recognition, it remained a significant outside organization through Brundage's presidency, and according to Guttmann, "Brundage won a less than total victory and Onesti suffered a far from complete defeat.

Wikipedia

Hitler's interference saved Rommel's military reputation because the unsuitability of the Cotentin for armoured operations, the difficulties involved in moving and supplying deployment in the area and the strength of the Anglo-Canadian force, would have led to a more rapid and complete defeat of the German army in Normandy.

Wikipedia

This lockout is a long way from the loss of a whole season and the complete defeat of one side by the other.

The New York Times

A stay, or even the complete defeat of the Clean Power Plan, Morrisey acknowledged, will not bring coal back to "its previous lofty heights".

Huffington Post

The allied troops trapped in northern France were rescued from complete defeat by an improvised evacuation, Operation Dynamo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a complete defeat" to clearly convey the totality and decisiveness of a loss, ensuring the context supports such a strong declaration.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete defeat" for minor setbacks or temporary losses. Reserve it for situations where the failure is absolute and irreversible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete defeat" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a state of utter failure or loss, where one side or party is entirely overcome. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing military outcomes, political failures, and even personal feelings of being overwhelmed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete defeat" is a noun phrase used to describe a total and decisive loss. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct English. Its usage spans across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and wikis, indicating its versatility. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for objectively reporting outcomes. Related phrases include "utter failure", "total loss", and "crushing defeat", each emphasizing different aspects of the defeat. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies the strong emphasis on totality and irreversibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushing defeat

Highlights the intensity and impact of the defeat, suggesting a demoralizing outcome.

utter failure

Focuses on the failure aspect more directly, implying a lack of success.

resounding defeat

Implies a clear and undeniable defeat, leaving no room for doubt about the outcome.

decisive loss

Stresses the finality and conclusiveness of the loss, indicating a turning point.

total loss

Emphasizes the aspect of loss rather than defeat, suitable when something valuable is lost entirely.

absolute rout

Suggests a disorganized and chaotic defeat, where the losing side is overwhelmed.

comprehensive failure

Highlights the broad scope and extent of the failure across multiple areas.

unmitigated disaster

Highlights the disastrous nature of the event, focusing on the negative consequences.

humiliating setback

Emphasizes the shame and embarrassment associated with the defeat.

total collapse

Implies a breakdown or disintegration, often used in business or political contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a complete defeat" in a sentence?

You can use "a complete defeat" to describe the outcome of a battle, game, or negotiation, for example: "The army suffered "a complete defeat"."

What can I say instead of "a complete defeat"?

You can use alternatives like "utter failure", "total loss", or "crushing defeat" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a complete defeat" or "a total defeat"?

Both "a complete defeat" and "a total defeat" are correct and have very similar meanings, although "a complete defeat" might slightly emphasize the thoroughness of the loss.

What's the difference between "a complete defeat" and "a setback"?

"A complete defeat" signifies a total and irreversible loss, whereas "a setback" implies a temporary obstacle or delay in progress.