defeat the object

USAGE SUMMARY

"defeat the object" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to mean "render something useless or ineffective." For example, "Our plan for the new product launch was ultimately defeated by the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That would defeat the object rather.

The Guardian

"But that would defeat the object," said another source.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Opinion

But Marmion says that would defeat the object of producing in Edinburgh, which is about finding partners and collaborators.

The Guardian

Just try to avoid rewarding yourself with food or this will defeat the object of working hard to lose or maintain your weight.

Harvard University

But that would defeat the object of using its economies of scale to drive the cost of batteries down by at least a third.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It seems I need a sudden, piercing alarm, which rather defeats the object of the sunrise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some people have now taken to using a subtweet hashtag, which totally defeats the object.

The Guardian - Tech

Thus defeating the object and defining what was to become a historically embarrassing moment for the company in later years.

Independent

But he is so much better than everyone else that he defeats the object of the exercise.

The Guardian - Sport

The stories of people being circulated from benefits into low-grade, temporary work and back to benefits again rather defeats the object of the policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defeat the object", ensure the context clearly establishes what the intended 'object' or purpose is. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "defeat the object" when a milder term like 'hinder' or 'complicate' is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeat the object" functions as a verb phrase indicating that an action or situation is undermining or negating the intended aim or goal. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defeat the object" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey that something is undermining or negating a specific purpose or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse, with authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC frequently employing it. While it is a useful phrase, consider alternatives such as "nullify the purpose" or "undermine the aim" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nullify the purpose

Focuses on invalidating the intended goal or reason behind an action or item.

undermine the aim

Highlights weakening or subverting the desired outcome.

thwart the objective

Emphasizes preventing the accomplishment of a specific target or goal.

invalidate the intent

Concentrates on rendering the original intention or plan ineffective.

negate the effect

Points to canceling out or reversing the intended result or impact.

make it pointless

Highlights rendering an action or item without value or reason.

render it futile

Emphasizes making something incapable of producing any useful result.

sabotage the goal

Implies deliberately hindering or obstructing the achievement of a target.

derail the intention

Focuses on causing a plan or purpose to fail or be abandoned.

counteract the purpose

Involves acting against or neutralizing the intended reason or function.

FAQs

What does "defeat the object" mean?

The phrase "defeat the object" means to render something useless, ineffective, or counterproductive. It implies that the intended purpose or goal of something is being undermined or negated.

How can I use "defeat the object" in a sentence?

You can use "defeat the object" to describe actions or situations that prevent something from achieving its intended purpose. For example, "Rewarding yourself with food after working hard to lose weight will "defeat the object" of your efforts."

Are there alternatives to saying "defeat the object"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "nullify the purpose", "undermine the aim", or "thwart the objective" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "defeat the object" and "defeat the purpose"?

"Defeat the object" and "defeat the purpose" are very similar and often interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, with "object" sometimes implying a more tangible goal or intention.