a crushing defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crushing defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or overwhelming loss in a competition, battle, or contest. Example: "The team faced a crushing defeat in the championship game, leaving them devastated and disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For every glorious victory, a crushing defeat.

Independent

And it was, in the immediate outcome, a crushing defeat.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a crushing defeat for Mr. Basuki.

The New York Times

Mr. Le Pen was dealt a crushing defeat.

The New York Times

In the end, Nazi Germany suffered a crushing defeat.

The New York Times

"This would be a crushing defeat in his political career.

The New York Times

What is worse, a crushing defeat or simply being crushed?

The New York Times - Sports

How did it overcome its previous setbacks to inflict a crushing defeat on Napoleon's France?

The Economist

The Danes periodically harried the land but suffered a crushing defeat at Luncarty in 961.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bayezid inflicted a crushing defeat on the crusaders at Nicopolis (Sept . 25 , 1396

Encyclopedia Britannica

A ruling the other way would be a crushing defeat for the plaintiff's bar.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a crushing defeat" to emphasize the severity and totality of a loss, whether in sports, politics, or personal endeavors. It's stronger than a simple loss.

Common error

Avoid using "crushing" to describe minor setbacks or inconveniences. The term implies a significant and demoralizing loss, so overuse dilutes its impact. For smaller issues, opt for words like "disappointing" or "unfortunate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crushing defeat" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significant and overwhelming loss. It highlights the intensity and completeness of the defeat, often implying a demoralizing or devastating impact. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crushing defeat" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys a significant and overwhelming loss. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is appropriate for describing situations across various domains, particularly in news and historical contexts. While versatile, remember to reserve this phrase for genuinely substantial defeats to avoid diluting its impact. Consider alternatives like "a resounding loss" or "a humiliating setback" for nuanced expression. Understanding its appropriate usage ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resounding loss

Emphasizes the completeness and totality of the loss.

a humiliating setback

Highlights the shame and embarrassment associated with the defeat.

a devastating failure

Focuses on the destructive and damaging consequences of the defeat.

an overwhelming loss

Stresses the magnitude and intensity of the defeat.

a bitter disappointment

Underscores the feeling of sadness and disillusionment resulting from the defeat.

a humiliating rout

Emphasizes the completeness and one-sided nature of the defeat, and the sense of shame involved.

a stinging rebuke

Implies that the defeat was a form of strong disapproval or criticism.

a major thrashing

Suggests a severe and comprehensive beating or defeat.

a complete wipeout

Implies a total and utter destruction or failure.

a total debacle

Emphasizes the chaotic and disgraceful nature of the defeat.

FAQs

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

You can use "a crushing defeat" to describe a situation where someone or something experiences a significant and overwhelming loss. For example, "The team suffered "a crushing defeat" in the final game."

What are some synonyms for "a crushing defeat"?

Alternatives to "a crushing defeat" include "a resounding loss", "a humiliating setback", or "a devastating failure".

Is it okay to use "a crushing defeat" in formal writing?

Yes, "a crushing defeat" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although you might consider a more nuanced alternative like "a significant reversal" in academic or business contexts.

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

"A crushing defeat" implies a major and decisive loss with significant negative consequences, whereas "a minor setback" refers to a small, temporary obstacle that does not significantly impact the overall outcome.