defeated by something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defeated by something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been overcome or bested by a particular challenge or obstacle. Example: "The team was ultimately defeated by their lack of preparation for the final match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Only a cry baby would get defeated by something like that.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Strategically, he says, capital can only be defeated by introducing something inexchangeable into the symbolic order, that is, something having the irreversible function of natural death, which the symbolic order excludes and renders invisible.

SEP

In a referendum on October 12th, they defeated by 54% to 46% something that Mr Siegelman had badly wanted: a state lottery.The collapse of the lottery, which Mr Siegelman said would produce $150m a year for university scholarships, a pre-kindergarten programme and help for Alabama's crowded and rundown schools, is a challenge to the governor's credibility.

The Economist

Won't that push them more to the left and right, if their centrist candidates are being defeated by you?" "There's something here that defies ideology," Nick says.

Vice

On this understanding, a principle specifies what Prichard calls a 'claim' on us, for example that we serve our country – but all such claims can be defeated by more pressing claims to do something else, such as care for our aging mother.

SEP

But a defeat by something in the order of 200 votes - which would represent a rebellion by scores of her own MPs - and it could be the most elegant way out.

HuffPost

"To be a writer is largely a journey into humility, to be defeated by ever greater things, so this isn't something you come to expect.

The Guardian - Books

There is something singularly humiliating about being defeated by an area nicknamed "Muesli Mountain".

BBC

What's happened is you've been defeated by thinking via analogy -- you see how something is done and how you can replicate it, but decide not to.

Huffington Post

For many Muslims, it was as though they had been defeated by a force far larger than the tiny country of Israel, by something unfathomable modernity itself.

The New Yorker

I recall something Juanito had said, about how the Maya were never defeated by the conquistadores, that they just retreated into their jungles and waited.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defeated by something" to clearly indicate the agent or cause that led to a loss or failure. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the specific reason for the defeat.

Common error

Ensure that the "something" accurately reflects the primary reason for the defeat. Avoid vague or misleading attributions that obscure the true cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeated by something" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject has been overcome or thwarted by a specific agent or cause. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a grammatically correct and usable expression. It allows the speaker to emphasize the cause of the defeat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defeated by something" is a grammatically correct and widely used passive construction that attributes a loss or failure to a specific cause. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, indicating its versatility and neutrality in tone. When using this phrase, ensure the attributed cause is accurate and avoid vague or misleading statements. Consider alternatives such as "overcome by something" or "thwarted by something" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beaten by something

A more informal synonym for "defeated".

overcome by something

Replaces "defeated" with a more general term for being subdued.

conquered by something

Suggests a forceful takeover or overcoming.

bested by something

Indicates being outdone or surpassed in skill or strategy.

vanquished by something

Implies a more decisive and complete defeat.

overpowered by something

Highlights the superior strength or force of the cause of defeat.

subdued by something

Suggests a suppression or control, rather than outright defeat.

succumbed to something

Implies a yielding or giving way to an overwhelming force.

thwarted by something

Focuses on the prevention of success or progress.

yielded to something

Suggests a voluntary or inevitable surrender.

FAQs

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

Use "defeated by something" to indicate that a specific factor or entity caused a loss. For example, "The project was "undone by lack of funding"".

What are some alternatives to "defeated by something"?

Alternatives include "overcome by something", "thwarted by something", or "beaten by something", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a defeat?

While both are grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "Something defeated them") places emphasis on the cause of defeat, whereas the passive voice ("They were defeated by something") emphasizes the defeated party.

What's the difference between "defeated by" and "overcome by"?

"Defeated by" implies a loss or failure, while "overcome by" can also suggest being overwhelmed by emotions or circumstances. The choice depends on the specific context you wish to convey.