completely defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been entirely overcome or vanquished, often in a competitive or conflict context. Example: "After a long and grueling match, the team was completely defeated, leaving them to reflect on their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"I felt completely defeated".

The New Yorker

The Syracusans counterattacked and completely defeated Himilco's army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"During the Second World War, they were completely defeated.

The New York Times

"It's really hard for people in my generation not to feel completely defeated by this economy".

The New York Times

In 66 Lucullus was superseded by Pompey, who completely defeated both Mithradates and Tigranes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Personally, I was completely defeated by the problem of evil in the world.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"This completely defeats the purpose.

The New York Times

As in, it completely defeats us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Wider cracks completely defeat the beneficial CMAS blocking behavior of GZO.

Surface and Coatings Technology

"But then that would completely defeat the object of the democratic revolution we have won".

The Guardian - Opinion

But however stringent such new regulations may be, economists say, they cannot completely defeat human nature.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely defeated" to emphasize the totality of a loss, whether in a competition, argument, or other conflict. It clearly conveys that there is no remaining resistance or chance of recovery.

Common error

Avoid using "completely defeated" when the situation is merely a setback or a partial loss. Ensure that the context truly reflects an utter and irreversible defeat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely defeated" primarily functions as a compound adjective describing the state of being utterly overcome or vanquished. As Ludwig confirms, it's a valid and commonly used phrase. For example, "I felt "completely defeated"."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely defeated" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase, commonly used to emphasize the thoroughness and finality of a loss. As verified by Ludwig, its usage spans from news reporting to personal expression. While its register leans towards neutral and formal contexts, it remains accessible across diverse writing styles. Remember to reserve its use for scenarios where the defeat is truly comprehensive to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "utterly vanquished" or "soundly beaten" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly vanquished

Emphasizes a more thorough and decisive defeat.

totally overcome

Suggests being overwhelmed to the point of incapacity.

soundly beaten

Focuses on the manner of defeat, highlighting a clear loss.

decisively conquered

Implies a complete takeover or subjugation.

thoroughly crushed

Conveys a more forceful and destructive sense of defeat.

routed

Describes a disorderly retreat after a defeat in battle.

left in ruins

Highlights the destructive aftermath of the defeat.

brought to their knees

Suggests being forced into submission or weakness.

taken down

A more casual way to express being defeated.

suffered a crushing blow

Focuses on the impact and severity of the defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "completely defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "completely defeated" to describe situations where someone or something has been utterly overcome. For example, "The opposing team was "completely defeated" after the final round" or "His argument was "completely defeated" by the evidence presented".

What are some alternatives to "completely defeated"?

Alternatives include "utterly vanquished", "totally overcome", or "soundly beaten". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "completely and utterly defeated"?

While "utterly" can reinforce the meaning of "completely", using both together can sometimes be redundant. Consider whether the extra emphasis is necessary for your specific context. "Completely defeated" is generally sufficient.

When should I use "defeated" instead of "completely defeated"?

Use "defeated" when the context implies a loss without needing to emphasize its totality. "Completely defeated" is more appropriate when highlighting the utter and irreversible nature of the defeat.