defeated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defeated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has lost to another person or entity in a competition or conflict. Example: "The team was ultimately defeated by their rivals in the championship game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You seem more defeated by life.

The New Yorker

1 10: Singers defeated by lip-synching.

The New Yorker

He was defeated by Steele.

The Guardian

Three years later, he was defeated by Mr. Rangel.

The New York Times

Anthony's team was defeated by Cooke's group.

The New York Times - Sports

Here Pakistan were defeated by 169 runs.

The Guardian - Sport

The amateur feels defeated by the professional.

The New York Times

His motion was defeated by one vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was defeated by a landslide.

The New Yorker

"It cannot be defeated by backward people".

The New York Times

Labour was defeated by the clock.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defeated by", ensure the subject is clearly identified and the context of the defeat is specified. For example, "The proposal was defeated by a vote of 35 to 24."

Common error

Avoid using "defeated by" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The enemy was defeated by our troops", consider "Our troops defeated the enemy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeated by" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject experienced a loss or was overcome by an opposing force. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defeated by" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone or something has lost to an opposing force. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific articles. While it is often interchangeable with alternatives like "beaten by" or "lost to", choosing the most appropriate term depends on the specific context and desired tone. Pay attention to active vs. passive construction and use the active voice whenever appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost to

A simple and direct way to express defeat in a competition.

beaten by

A more direct and common synonym, indicating a clear loss.

overcome by

This suggests being overpowered or overwhelmed, often implying a struggle.

bested by

Indicates being outdone or surpassed in skill or ability.

conquered by

Implies a complete and decisive victory by the opponent.

vanquished by

A more formal and literary term for being defeated.

succumbed to

Suggests yielding to a force or pressure, often implying a lack of resistance.

routed by

Suggests a disorganized and complete defeat, often in a military context.

overthrown by

Implies being forcibly removed from a position of power.

triumphed over

Expresses victory instead of defeated. The emphasis is put on the winner instead of the loser.

FAQs

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

The phrase "defeated by" indicates that someone or something has lost to an opponent or obstacle. For example, "The bill was "defeated by" a narrow margin".

What are some alternatives to "defeated by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "overcome by", "beaten by", or "lost to".

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

Both "defeated by" and "lost to" are grammatically correct, but "lost to" is more concise and often preferred in sports contexts. "Defeated by" may be used in more formal or general situations.

What is the difference between "defeated by" and "overcome by"?

"Defeated by" implies a loss in a direct competition or conflict, whereas "overcome by" suggests being overwhelmed or subdued by a force or emotion.