defeat the problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"defeat the problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe overcoming or solving a difficult issue or challenge. Here is an example sentence: "Our team worked together to defeat the problem of declining sales by implementing a new marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

What could be done to defeat the problem?

The Washington Post

This doesn't exactly defeat the problem of American women still earning, on average, seventy-seven cents for every man's dollar.

The New Yorker

A better person would have both been able to more quickly defeat the problem, and would have owned up every time in order to allow other parents (somewhere out there lay the source of our lice; I cannot be blamed for everything) to check their children's heads.

The New York Times

The Senate also provided formal bicameralism, with the members of the Senate and House responsible to completely distinct constituencies; this helped defeat the problem of the federal government being subject to "special interests".

Wikipedia

If a reluctance to elect Miliband was the principal factor behind Labour's defeat, the problem for Balls was that, to too many electors, Labour also came across as a party of "cuts" – albeit at a slower pace.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Though the Bork nomination was defeated, the problem of the breakdown in legal consensus has yet to be addressed.

The New Yorker

Identifying the issues in your life removes fear of the unknown and forces you to focus on defeating the problem at hand.

Huffington Post

I believe this will result in fewer prosecutions and therefore defeat the very problem that I understand it seeks to address".

The New York Times

Technology may come along to finally defeat the NOX problem, and in fact this seems quite likely, given the ever-increasing incentive to squeeze more power out of a barrel of crude.

Forbes

The real question is how do we defeat the psychology of the problem that leaves African Americans worried about a receipt for a 99-cent candy bar or death over a $4 bracelet.

Huffington Post

They were not reported because it's been decided that we have defeated the hooligan problem.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defeat the problem" when you want to emphasize a proactive and decisive approach to resolving an issue. It implies a direct confrontation and overcoming of difficulties.

Common error

Avoid using "defeat the problem" for minor or easily solvable issues. It's best reserved for significant challenges where a real victory is achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeat the problem" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to overcome or resolve a challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's considered grammatically correct and usable. The examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defeat the problem" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that signifies a proactive approach to overcoming challenges, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While suitable for various contexts, it frequently appears in news and media sources. Alternative phrases like "overcome the difficulty" or "resolve the issue" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When using this phrase, ensure the situation warrants a decisive victory over a significant challenge. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its common application in diverse real-world scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome the difficulty

Focuses on surpassing an obstacle, suggesting effort and progress.

resolve the issue

Implies bringing a matter to a conclusion or settlement.

address the challenge

Suggests confronting a difficult task head-on.

tackle the matter

Presents dealing with something directly and energetically.

solve the puzzle

Metaphorically represents the problem as something intricate needing insight.

eliminate the obstacle

Emphasizes removing something blocking progress.

mitigate the problem

Focuses on reducing the severity or impact of an issue.

handle the situation

Focuses on managing or controlling an event or circumstance effectively.

rectify the situation

Implies correcting something that is wrong or unjust.

neutralize the threat

Suggests rendering a potential danger harmless.

FAQs

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

You can use "defeat the problem" to describe overcoming a specific challenge. For instance, "The new strategy helped us "defeat the problem" of low customer engagement".

What are some alternatives to "defeat the problem"?

Alternatives include "overcome the difficulty", "resolve the issue", or "solve the puzzle", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "defeat the problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "defeat the problem" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with your intended message.

What's the difference between "defeat the problem" and "address the problem"?

"Defeat the problem" implies a complete victory, whereas "address the problem" suggests taking steps to manage or mitigate it, not necessarily eliminating it entirely.