admit defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

'admit defeat' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are reluctantly accepting that you have been unsuccessful in some endeavour or you have failed to achieve a goal. For example: After 10 long years of effort, she was forced to admit defeat on her quest to find the lost temple.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We can't admit defeat.

The Guardian

Should I admit defeat?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maury, however, was unwilling to admit defeat.

The New York Times

­Finally, reluctantly, I admit defeat.

The Guardian - Travel

It's not yet time to admit defeat.

The New York Times

Maybe we should just admit defeat.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Here he admitted defeat.

The New York Times

But he admits defeat.

The Economist

On admitting defeat.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We have admitted defeat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then he admitted defeat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admit defeat" when you want to convey a sense of reluctant acceptance of failure, often after a period of struggle or resistance. It suggests a conscious decision to acknowledge a loss.

Common error

Avoid using "admit defeat" when merely describing a passive resignation to a situation. The phrase implies an active acknowledgment of failure, not just a passive acceptance of circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admit defeat" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to express the act of acknowledging failure or loss in a particular endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms this as correct and usable in written English, often involving a reluctant acceptance after a struggle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "admit defeat" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to acknowledge failure or loss. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts, primarily in news and media. It's crucial to use this phrase when an active acknowledgment of failure is intended, not just passive resignation. Alternatives such as "concede defeat" or "acknowledge failure" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding when to "admit defeat" is essential for effective resource management and strategic adaptation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concede defeat

Emphasizes formal acknowledgment of loss, often in competitive contexts.

acknowledge failure

Focuses on recognizing the lack of success or desired outcome.

accept defeat

Highlights the act of coming to terms with having lost.

surrender

Implies yielding or giving up resistance, often in a more decisive way.

yield

Suggests giving way to pressure or superior force.

throw in the towel

An idiomatic expression indicating resignation or abandonment of effort.

capitulate

Suggests a formal agreement to surrender, often with specific terms.

wave the white flag

A symbolic gesture signifying surrender or a desire for truce.

give up

Simple way to indicate ceasing effort or hope in a situation.

eat humble pie

Idiomatic expression indicating humiliation after being proven wrong or defeated.

FAQs

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

You can use "admit defeat" to show acknowledgment of failure after trying, such as "After several failed attempts, I had to "admit defeat" and seek help."

What are some alternatives to "admit defeat"?

You can use alternatives like "concede defeat", "acknowledge failure", or "accept defeat" depending on the context.

Is it better to "admit defeat" or keep trying?

Knowing when to "admit defeat" is crucial for efficient resource allocation. Continuing a futile effort can be more detrimental than acknowledging failure and re-strategizing.

What does it mean to "throw in the towel" instead of "admit defeat"?

"Throw in the towel" is an idiom that is synonymous with "admit defeat", referring to ceasing resistance; it comes from boxing, where a fighter's corner throws a towel into the ring to signal that the fighter cannot continue.