defeated face

USAGE SUMMARY

"defeated face" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone's facial expression when they are overcome with sorrow, defeat, or resignation. For example: After being told the news, I saw a defeated face on my friend's otherwise cheerful countenance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hours after resigning Guatemala's presidency, beads of sweat ran down the retired general's weary and defeated face as he listened to evidence of his alleged involvement in one of the biggest corruption scandals in the Central American country's history.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Jamie Foxx arrived with two white girls under each arm, and perplexed at the sight of our defeated faces, blurted out, "DAMN, WHY Y'ALL LOOK SO SAD? WHO DIED?" I would have laughed if I had the energy.

Vice

At the phone's official unveiling in September, executives boasted that there was a one in a million chance that an interloper could defeat Face ID to unlock a phone.

TechCrunch

He had a defeated look on his face and the students grew nervous.

Los Angeles Times

The Bulls, who remain above the relegation zone despite the defeat, face a winding-up petition and raised over £1,000 from bucket collections prior to the game.

BBC

Here's my advice to defeated MPs facing the trauma of rejection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Like the Battle of Waterloo, where Napoleon was defeated, Castresana faces the prospect, in Guatemala, of the first great failure of his international career".

The New Yorker

Shortly after World War I, an effete and defeated Germany faced roiling inflation and international humiliation.

Huffington Post

Then again, how would we react to Israel using a nuclear weapon if it were about to be defeated and faced national extermination?

Huffington Post

Their stoicism enables them to be defeated without losing face, thereby defusing potentially violent situations.

The New York Times - Magazine

Once all four are defeated, the player faces a new robot master created for the game, Enker.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defeated face" to vividly portray a character's emotional state, showing rather than telling the reader about their feelings of loss or failure. This can enhance the emotional impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "defeated face" excessively, especially in situations where a simpler description or a different emotional cue might be more effective. Overusing the phrase can lead to melodrama and weaken the impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeated face" primarily functions as a descriptive element, specifically an adjective-noun combination that modifies a noun (face) to indicate a particular emotional state. As Ludwig AI explains, this idiom describes a facial expression that conveys sorrow, resignation, or defeat. Examples found by Ludwig confirm its descriptive use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "defeated face" is an adjective-noun combination used to describe a facial expression that conveys feelings of loss, disappointment, or resignation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a range of contexts. While not overly formal, its neutral register makes it versatile for news reporting, narrative writing, and other descriptive purposes. Though classified as “uncommon” in terms of frequency, its usage is clearly established across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. To enrich your writing, consider alternatives such as '"crestfallen expression"' or '"resigned look"' for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crestfallen expression

Focuses on the visible sadness and disappointment in the face.

despairing countenance

Highlights the hopelessness and desperation reflected in the facial features.

resigned look

Emphasizes acceptance of defeat or a difficult situation, shown through facial expression.

sad visage

Uses a more formal term to describe a face marked by sadness.

disheartened appearance

Shifts the focus to the overall appearance reflecting a loss of spirit.

downcast features

Highlights the downturned or lowered features of the face expressing sorrow.

chagrin expression

Indicates a feeling of embarrassment and annoyance caused by failure or disappointment.

dejected mien

Refers to the overall demeanor indicating low spirits and unhappiness.

gloomy face

A simple description of a face expressing unhappiness and sadness.

anguished features

Highlights the intense suffering and pain evident in the facial expression.

FAQs

How can I describe a "defeated face" in more detail?

To add detail, specify which features convey defeat: "His eyes were downcast, his mouth a grim line, his face showing a "defeated face"".

What emotions are typically associated with a "defeated face"?

A "defeated face" typically suggests sadness, disappointment, resignation, or a combination of these emotions. The specific context will determine the exact nuance.

What are some visual cues that might accompany a "defeated face"?

Accompanying cues may include slumped posture, avoiding eye contact, slow movements, or a general lack of energy. These can reinforce the impression of defeat.

Is "defeated face" appropriate for formal writing?

While "defeated face" is generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In highly formal contexts, a more nuanced or descriptive phrase might be preferable. For example, try '"crestfallen expression"'.