a string of defeats

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a string of defeats" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a series of losses or failures, often in a competitive context such as sports or business. Example: "The team faced a string of defeats that ultimately led to their elimination from the playoffs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead they suffered a string of defeats.

The Guardian - Sport

The Socialists have suffered a string of defeats in the meantime.

The New York Times

In America, greens have suffered a string of defeats on high-profile issues.

The Economist

Democrats were demoralized in the mid-2000s after a string of defeats.

The Washington Post

A string of defeats at recent regional elections confirms this observation.

The Guardian - Opinion

He died at 39, with a string of defeats behind him.

The Guardian - Music

They have inflicted a string of defeats on ministers and forced numerous concessions.

The Guardian

After a string of defeats, Mr. Sanders said last week that his campaign would lay off hundreds of staff members.

The New York Times

Mr. Silverstein, who has suffered a string of defeats in the case, declined requests for an interview.

The New York Times

When the candidate forced out Solis Doyle last month after a string of defeats, the departing manager said Penn should also be fired, to no avail, sources said.

The Washington Post

In recent weeks, after a string of defeats by Boko Haram fighters, the Nigerian military has appeared to make some progress against the jihadists.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a string of defeats", consider the context. This phrase is suitable for describing repeated failures in sports, politics, or business. Ensure the subject has indeed experienced multiple losses, not just a single setback.

Common error

While "a string of defeats" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a series of losses" or "a run of bad luck" when speaking informally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a string of defeats" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sequence of losses experienced by an entity. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a string of defeats" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a series of losses or failures. As Ludwig confirms, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's suitable for various situations, though less appropriate for informal conversations where simpler alternatives might be preferred. Related phrases include "a series of losses" and "a succession of failures", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the description of multiple defeats, not just a single setback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of losses

Replaces "string of defeats" with a more general term for losing.

a losing streak

Commonly used in sports contexts.

a succession of failures

Emphasizes the lack of success in a sequence of events.

repeated setbacks

Highlights the repetitive nature of the failures.

a trail of losses

Uses a more evocative term ("trail") to describe the series of defeats.

a pattern of failure

Suggests a recurring or predictable lack of success.

a chapter of setbacks

Framing the defeats as part of a larger narrative or period.

a history of losses

Focuses on the past occurrences of defeat.

a run of bad luck

Attributes the defeats to chance or misfortune.

a cycle of downfalls

Emphasizes the recurring nature and negative consequences of the defeats.

FAQs

What does "a string of defeats" mean?

The phrase "a string of defeats" refers to a series or succession of losses or failures experienced by an individual, team, or organization.

What can I say instead of "a string of defeats"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of losses", "a succession of failures", or "a losing streak" depending on the specific context.

Is "a string of defeats" a formal expression?

The expression "a string of defeats" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, including news reports, business writing, and general discussions. However, it might sound slightly more formal than alternatives like "a run of bad luck".

How to use "a string of defeats" in a sentence?

You can use "a string of defeats" to describe situations where someone or something has repeatedly lost. For example: "After "a series of losses", the team changed its strategy." or "The company's "a succession of failures" led to bankruptcy."