be defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the outcome of a competition, conflict, or challenge, indicating that someone or something has lost. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to overcome their opponents and ultimately had to be defeated in the final match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They must be defeated".

The New York Times

Will never be defeated!

The New York Times

Will the Maoists be defeated?

Independent

We will not be defeated.

The New York Times

How can ISIS be defeated?

The New Yorker

We shall not be defeated".

Independent

The TPP must be defeated".

The Guardian

Hatred can be defeated.

The Guardian - Opinion

America will be defeated".

The New York Times

"Terrorism will be defeated.

The New York Times

As things stand, it would be defeated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be defeated", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is doing the defeating. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "be defeated" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The enemy will be defeated by our troops", consider "Our troops will defeat the enemy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be defeated" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, indicating the state of losing or being overcome in a contest, battle, or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be defeated" is a grammatically sound and very common passive verb phrase used to describe the state of losing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, with prominence in news media, scientific writing, and formal communications. When employing "be defeated", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the defeating for optimal clarity. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to choose whether an active voice construction would be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be beaten

A more general and straightforward term for losing, applicable in various situations.

be overcome

Focuses on being overwhelmed or subdued, highlighting the process rather than the result.

be overpowered

Highlights the superior strength or force of the opponent.

be conquered

Implies a more forceful and complete subjugation, often in a military or strategic sense.

be vanquished

Suggests a decisive and often glorious defeat, frequently used in more formal or literary contexts.

be subdued

Emphasizes the act of being brought under control or suppressed.

be overthrown

Suggests a removal from power or authority, often through revolution or rebellion.

succumb to

Implies yielding to pressure or an irresistible force.

lose out

Focuses on missing an opportunity or failing to achieve a desired outcome.

come to grief

Indicates a disastrous or unfortunate end, often due to one's own actions or circumstances.

FAQs

How to use "be defeated" in a sentence?

The phrase "be defeated" is used to indicate that someone or something has lost in a competition, battle, or contest. For example, "The army will "be defeated" if they don't have enough supplies".

What can I say instead of "be defeated"?

You can use alternatives such as "be overcome", "be conquered", or "be vanquished" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be defeated" or "being defeated"?

"Be defeated" is correct when referring to a state or future possibility. "Being defeated" is used in continuous tenses or gerund phrases, for example, "The possibility of "being defeated" is their biggest fear".

What's the difference between "be defeated" and "defeat"?

"Defeat" is an active verb meaning to win against someone. "Be defeated" is passive, indicating that someone or something has lost. For example, "Our troops will defeat the enemy" versus "Our troops will "be defeated" if they run out of ammunition".