defeats the point

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defeats the point" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that an action or statement undermines the purpose or intention of something. Example: "By adding unnecessary features to the product, we risk creating a design that defeats the point of simplicity we aimed for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

That rather defeats the point.

The Economist

Some suggest that defeats the point.

The Economist

That defeats the point of traveling.

The New York Times - Travel

This largely defeats the point.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if that's all it does, then it rather defeats the point.

The Guardian

Sadly, some minigames also don't really have an effect on your position on the board, which defeats the point.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Rather defeated the point.

The Guardian - Sport

Which probably defeated the point.

The Guardian

Doesn't that kind of defeat the point?

The Guardian - Film

Cuts to the service will make longer journeys cost more, defeating the point of the card.

The Guardian - Opinion

Doesn't that kind of defeat the point of a top 10 list?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of the phrase in close proximity. While common, varying your language with synonyms like "undermines the purpose" or "negates the purpose" can enhance writing style and prevent redundancy.

Common error

Before using "defeats the point", double-check that you accurately understand the initial goal or purpose. Incorrectly identifying this can lead to misapplication of the phrase and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defeats the point" primarily functions as a predicate, indicating that a preceding action or situation nullifies or undermines a stated purpose or intention. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a contradiction to the original goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "defeats the point" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express that an action or situation undermines a stated purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used across diverse contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. While its usage is generally neutral, understanding the original intent is crucial to avoid misapplication. Consider alternative phrasings like "undermines the purpose" for stylistic variation. By paying attention to these nuances, you can effectively communicate the idea that something is self-defeating or counterproductive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undermines the purpose

Focuses on the purpose being weakened or invalidated.

negates the purpose

Highlights the cancellation or nullification of the intended aim.

invalidates the rationale

Emphasizes that the reason or justification is no longer valid.

contradicts the intention

Highlights the conflict between an action and what was initially planned.

thwarts the objective

Focuses on the prevention of achieving a specific goal.

nullifies the intent

Highlights the act of making the intention void or without effect.

makes it pointless

Simplifies the idea by stating that something becomes without value or reason.

renders it futile

Emphasizes the uselessness or ineffectiveness of an action.

sabotages the goal

Implies an intentional act of undermining the objective.

frustrates the aim

Focuses on the obstruction and prevention of achieving an aim.

FAQs

How can I use "defeats the point" in a sentence?

You can use "defeats the point" to indicate that an action or decision undermines the original intention or purpose. For example, "Adding too many features "defeats the point" of simplicity."

What are some alternatives to "defeats the point"?

Some alternatives include "undermines the purpose", "negates the purpose", or "contradicts the intention". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "defeats the point"?

It's incorrect to use "defeats the point" if the action or situation doesn't actually undermine the original intention or purpose. Ensure there's a clear contradiction or nullification.

What is the difference between "defeats the point" and "misses the point"?

"Defeats the point" implies that an action actively undermines the purpose, while "misses the point" simply means failing to understand the main idea. The former is an active negation, while the latter is a passive misunderstanding.