cannot be defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something or someone is invincible or unbeatable in a particular context. Example: "With their strong teamwork and determination, the team believes they cannot be defeated in the upcoming championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it cannot be defeated.

The Guardian

"It cannot be defeated by backward people".

The New York Times

"I think the revolution cannot be defeated.

The Guardian

The Islamic State cannot be defeated from the air alone.

The Washington Post

They could not, both logically and because terrorism cannot be defeated, as countries can be.

The Economist

As throughout Afghan history, if insurgents cannot be defeated militarily, they will have to be bought.

The Economist

When a contract cannot be defeated by normal means, try abnormal.

The New York Times

Despair and disorganization are the real enemies, and they cannot be defeated by military means.

The New York Times

For all the fighting, this threat cannot be defeated by security means alone.

The Guardian

As a head of state he should know that urban guerrillas cannot be defeated with bombs.

The Guardian - Opinion

1.3 billion Muslims cannot be defeated by a few million Jews.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "cannot be defeated" to convey a strong sense of resilience or invincibility, particularly when emphasizing a capability to withstand challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be defeated" in overly casual or trivial situations, as it can sound hyperbolic. Opt for more moderate language when describing minor setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be defeated" functions as a declarative expression asserting the impossibility of being overcome or beaten. It is often used to convey resilience, strength, or invincibility. Examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be defeated" is a powerful declaration of invincibility and resilience, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used to emphasize the unwavering nature of a subject. While highly versatile, be mindful of its potential for hyperbole in overly casual contexts. Consider alternatives like "cannot be overcome" or "is unstoppable" to fine-tune the tone and emphasis. With an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase remains a valuable tool for expressing strength and unwavering resolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot be overcome

Replaces "defeated" with "overcome", focusing on surmounting challenges.

cannot be beaten

Substitutes "defeated" with "beaten", a more informal synonym.

cannot be conquered

Uses "conquered" instead of "defeated", suggesting a more forceful subjugation.

cannot be subdued

Employs "subdued" to imply a suppression of power or influence.

cannot be surmounted

Replaces "defeated" with "surmounted", highlighting the act of overcoming obstacles.

is invincible

Changes the structure to use the adjective "invincible", directly stating the inability to be defeated.

is unvanquishable

Uses the less common but more emphatic "unvanquishable" to convey absolute inability to be defeated.

is unstoppable

Shifts the focus to the inability to halt progress or momentum.

will inevitably prevail

Expresses a guaranteed success or victory in the future.

is destined to win

Indicates a predetermined outcome of victory.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot be defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot be defeated" to describe something or someone that is extremely resilient or invincible. For example, "With their teamwork, they believe they "cannot be defeated".

What's a more informal way to say "cannot be defeated"?

For a more casual tone, consider using alternatives like "cannot be beaten" or "cannot be overcome". These options are less formal while still conveying a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "cannot be defeated" and "cannot be destroyed"?

While both suggest a form of invincibility, "cannot be defeated" implies an inability to lose in a contest or conflict, whereas "cannot be destroyed" suggests an inability to be completely eliminated or eradicated.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot be defeated" in writing?

Use "cannot be defeated" when you want to emphasize the unyielding nature or resilience of something. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts, but use it sparingly to avoid hyperbole.