admitted defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

"admitted defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of admitting that you have lost in a competition or struggle. Example: After an intense battle, the challenger finally admitted defeat and conceded the game to the champion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here he admitted defeat.

The New York Times

We have admitted defeat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then he admitted defeat.

The New Yorker

We admitted defeat after about an hour.

The New York Times

One by one, contestants admitted defeat.

Independent

So I admitted defeat and called Buckley.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now, at last, the Europeans have admitted defeat.

The Economist

On Friday, Google admitted defeat in that pursuit.

The New York Times

2.41am BST Breaking news So we have admitted defeat.

The Guardian - Travel

By hiding away, it's as though he's admitted defeat.

The Guardian - Film

But apparently not enough German, and I admitted defeat on about page fünf.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "admitted defeat" when you want to clearly state that someone has acknowledged their loss in a competition, election, or any kind of struggle. It is a straightforward and widely understood way to convey this information.

Common error

Avoid using "admitted defeat" when you simply mean that a setback or obstacle has been acknowledged. "Admitted defeat" implies a complete surrender, while a setback is a temporary hurdle that doesn't necessarily mean the end of the effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "admitted defeat" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate of a clause. It indicates the action of acknowledging failure or loss. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts, affirming its function as a declaration of conceding a competition or struggle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "admitted defeat" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the acknowledgement of loss or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts, mainly in news and media, as well as encyclopedias and wikis. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a complete surrender rather than a mere setback. Alternatives like "conceded defeat" or "acknowledged defeat" can be used for slight variations in formality or emphasis. Avoiding the confusion with simply acknowledging a setback ensures clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conceded defeat

Emphasizes yielding or giving up the fight; slightly more formal.

acknowledged defeat

Focuses on recognizing and accepting the loss; implies a more formal admission.

accepted failure

Highlights the acceptance of an unsuccessful outcome; broader than just a competition.

yielded

A concise expression that can indicate surrender or giving way to another's power or advantage.

surrendered

Suggests giving up completely, often in a more dramatic or absolute context.

threw in the towel

An idiomatic expression meaning to give up, often used in the context of a struggle or competition.

relinquished control

Focuses on giving up power or authority; applicable in situations beyond direct competition.

capitulated

Implies a more formal and unconditional surrender, often in a military or political context.

succumbed

Suggests being overcome by a force or situation; less direct than admitting defeat.

gave up the fight

Focuses on stopping the struggle or effort, implying a sense of resignation.

FAQs

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

You can use "admitted defeat" to describe someone acknowledging their loss in a competition or struggle. For example: "After a long battle, the company finally "admitted defeat" and closed its doors."

What are some synonyms for "admitted defeat"?

Similar phrases include "conceded defeat", "acknowledged defeat", or "accepted failure" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "admitted defeat" or "conceded defeat"?

"Conceded defeat" is generally considered slightly more formal than ""admitted defeat"", as 'concede' often implies a formal acknowledgement of loss, such as in an election or sporting event.

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

"Admitted defeat" implies a complete surrender, while "acknowledged a setback" suggests recognizing a temporary obstacle or difficulty without giving up entirely.