crushing defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crushing defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loss that is particularly overwhelming or demoralizing, often in a competitive context such as sports or elections. Example: "The team faced a crushing defeat in the championship game, leaving them devastated and questioning their future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was another crushing defeat.

Independent

For every glorious victory, a crushing defeat.

Independent

It was a terrible, terrible, crushing defeat".

The New York Times

And it was, in the immediate outcome, a crushing defeat.

The New York Times - Magazine

No one was surprised by his crushing defeat.

Independent

It was a crushing defeat for Mr. Basuki.

The New York Times

Mr. Le Pen was dealt a crushing defeat.

The New York Times

After last night's crushing defeat, this sounds like wishful thinking.

The Guardian

In the end, Nazi Germany suffered a crushing defeat.

The New York Times

Or about his crushing defeat in the Glasgow East byelection.

The Guardian

Thousands have joined the party since our crushing defeat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a significant loss, use "crushing defeat" to emphasize the thoroughness and demoralizing impact of the loss on those affected.

Common error

Avoid using "crushing defeat" to describe minor setbacks or everyday disappointments. Reserve it for situations where the loss is truly significant and has far-reaching consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crushing defeat" functions as a noun phrase, where "crushing" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "defeat". It intensifies the meaning of "defeat", emphasizing its severity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "crushing defeat" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a particularly significant and demoralizing loss. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as encyclopedias, highlighting its role in conveying the magnitude of events. Alternatives like "resounding defeat" or "overwhelming loss" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, use "crushing defeat" to emphasize the impact of a substantial setback, but avoid hyperbole by reserving it for truly significant losses. The phrase’s prevalence across authoritative sources underscores its reliable and effective use in formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Resounding defeat

This alternative suggests a defeat that is loud and clear, emphasizing the magnitude and decisiveness of the loss.

Overwhelming loss

This phrase focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of the defeat, highlighting how powerfully it affects those involved.

Humiliating defeat

This alternative emphasizes the shame and embarrassment associated with the loss, suggesting a particularly public or disgraceful failure.

Decisive loss

This phrase underscores the finality and conclusiveness of the defeat, indicating that there is no room for doubt about the outcome.

Total rout

This alternative suggests a complete and utter collapse, often in a military or competitive context, where the opposing side is completely overwhelmed.

Comprehensive loss

This highlights that the loss affects every area or aspect of the situation, leaving no part untouched.

Abject failure

This emphasizes the depth and completeness of the failure, suggesting a situation where nothing went right.

Catastrophic defeat

This phrase conveys the disastrous consequences of the defeat, indicating that it has led to significant and widespread negative outcomes.

Bitter defeat

Highlights the emotional aspect of a loss, conveying a sense of disappointment and resentment.

Heavy loss

This alternative describes a loss that is significant in terms of casualties, resources, or emotional impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "crushing defeat" to describe significant losses in various contexts. For instance, "The team suffered a crushing defeat in the finals", or "The political party experienced a crushing defeat in the recent elections".

What can I say instead of "crushing defeat"?

You can use alternatives like "resounding defeat", "overwhelming loss", or "humiliating defeat" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "crushing defeat" or "crushed defeat"?

"Crushing defeat" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Crushed defeat" is not standard English.

What distinguishes a "crushing defeat" from a regular defeat?

A "crushing defeat" implies a loss that is particularly overwhelming and demoralizing. It suggests a significant impact on morale and future prospects, unlike a standard defeat which may be less severe.