defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of having lost in a competition, battle, or struggle, or to express a feeling of being overwhelmed or overcome by circumstances. Example: "After the final match, the team felt defeated despite their best efforts throughout the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And yet, in the 1970s, Thistle were only narrowly defeated on a vote for Scottish League membership in their own right by Ferranti, later Meadowbank, Thistle.

The Guardian - Sport

Only once, in Brisbane in 1928-29, the match in which Donald Bradman made his debut and saw his side defeated by a barely comprehensible 675 runs, has Australia lost as heavily as this in terms of runs.

The Guardian - Sport

It won't be defeated until we unite not just in condemning the acts of terrorism, which we all do, but in fighting the poisonous propaganda that the root cause of this terrorism somehow lies with us around this table, and not with them.

The Guardian

It will not be defeated until our determination is as complete as theirs, our defence of freedom as absolute as their fanaticism, until our passion for the democratic way is as great as their passion for tyranny.

The Guardian

He believes Miliband betrayed him in the days between talks on last summer's vote over intervention in Syria and the debate in parliament that saw the government defeated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Trimble defeated South Belfast MP the Rev Martin Smyth by 457 to 348 votes, 56% to 43%, in a crunch secret ballot of the party's ruling council in the King's Hall, Belfast.

The Guardian

But attempts to shuffle police commanders and move morality police under the jurisdiction of his own interior ministry have been defeated by more powerful conservative forces in the establishment.

The Guardian

Intermittent attempts to down airplanes have been defeated, if only just.

The Guardian

Every canvasser is defeated by the mind-blowing ignorance of those for whom "politics" is not on their radar, unaware how their daily struggles will be fought out in distant Westminster.

The Guardian - Opinion

Abdullah's succession as Saudi Arabia's sixth monarch resulted from his father King Abdulaziz ibn Saud's strategy of marrying the daughters and widows of defeated enemies.

The Guardian

Labour was defeated from the left in Scotland, where a party standing on a progressive anti-austerity platform swept the board.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a loss, use "defeated" to clearly convey that one party was overcome by another. Consider the context to choose synonyms like "vanquished" or "overcome" for added nuance or formality.

Common error

While "defeated" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Opt for more informal synonyms like "lost" or "beat" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "defeated" primarily functions as a verb in the past participle form or as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage. It describes the state of having lost in a contest, battle, or struggle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defeated" functions as a past participle verb or adjective, commonly used to indicate loss or subjugation. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While broadly applicable, it is advisable to consider the specific context and choose appropriate synonyms like "overcome" or "vanquished" to add nuance. Overusing "defeated" in casual conversation should be avoided in favor of more informal terms. Overall, "defeated" is a versatile and widely understood term for conveying the outcome of a contest or the experience of being overwhelmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost to

This phrase is a simple and direct way of saying someone was "defeated" in a contest or game.

overcome

This term implies overcoming an obstacle or opponent, similar to being "defeated" but can also suggest a personal triumph.

vanquished

This word is a more formal and dramatic synonym for "defeated", often used in historical or literary contexts.

bested

This word means to surpass or outdo someone, resulting in them being "defeated".

subdued

This term suggests bringing someone or something under control, implying a lessening of power or resistance similar to being "defeated".

conquered

This phrase signifies a complete victory and control over an opponent, comparable to being thoroughly "defeated".

overpowered

This term indicates being overcome by superior force or strength, leading to being "defeated".

routed

This term suggests a complete and disorganized defeat, implying a chaotic retreat after being "defeated".

triumphed over

This phrase describes the winner, emphasizing victory rather than the opponent's "defeated" state.

succumbed to

This phrase implies giving way to pressure or force, resulting in being "defeated" by circumstances or an opponent.

FAQs

How can I use "defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "defeated" to describe losing in a competition, as in "Our team was "defeated" in the final round", or to express being overcome by something, such as "He felt "defeated" by the constant setbacks".

What are some synonyms for "defeated"?

Alternatives to "defeated" include "overcome", "vanquished", "subdued", and "conquered". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it better to say "defeated by" or "lost to"?

"Defeated by" and "lost to" are both grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Defeated by" emphasizes the action of being overcome, while "lost to" focuses on the opponent or circumstance. For example, "They were "defeated by" a stronger team" versus "They "lost to" their rivals".

What's the difference between "defeated" and "failed"?

"Defeated" typically implies an opponent or competition where one side overcomes the other. "Failed" suggests a lack of success in achieving a specific goal or objective, without necessarily involving an opposing force. For example, "The army was "defeated" in battle" versus "The project "failed" due to insufficient funding".