despite this defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despite this defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs or is true regardless of a setback or loss. Example: "Despite this defeat, the team remained optimistic about their chances in the next match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Zannda could still run in the Oaks despite this defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

The transformation in both countries' fortunes since then is remarkable, but Germany is wholly positive despite this defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite this defeat, Reading need just a point from their last three games to secure a play-off place.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite this defeat, environmentalists won important court victories when the Supreme Administrative Court vacated the environmental-impact assessment of the Central Taiwan Science Park near T'ai-chung T'ai-chung

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite this defeat, Pisa became a busy centre of woolen manufacturing late in the 13th century and remained the chief port of Tuscany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet, despite this defeat, by 382, under Valens's successor Theodosius, the Romans drove the Goths back to Thrace and achieved peace.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"He was great, as was the game – it was exactly how I expected it to be". Yet while Leeds, without a dozen first-team regulars here, can hold their heads high despite this heartbreaking defeat, this is now five defeats in succession for the reigning champions.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite this narrow defeat in Reading the Ospreys are still flapping in the EDF Energy Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

Sammy and the coach, Ottis Gibson, have stressed the importance of building a stronger team ethic since the departure of Gayle and, despite this fifth defeat in their past seven Tests, they both expressed pride in the performance.

The Guardian - Sport

While Kobach claimed the few instances of fraud were "the tip of the iceberg," the judge, a George W. Bush appointee, concluded that "there is no iceberg; only an icicle largely created by confusion and administrative error". Despite this resounding defeat, Kobach continues to rely on the same discredited statistics, and voter fraud remains a top-line GOP concern.

The Washington Post

Despite the defeat this was quite a landmark for Brive, who have not figured in the Heineken Cup for 11 years, having won the title in 1997 and been losing finalists 12 months later.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "despite this defeat" to introduce a contrasting positive outcome, continued effort, or unexpected result. This helps maintain a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "despite this defeat" merely to state that a defeat occurred. Ensure it connects to a subsequent point, showing resilience or unexpected progress. For example, avoid "The team lost, despite this defeat". Instead, use "Despite this defeat, the team's morale remained high."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite this defeat" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate a contrast or concession. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it sets up a situation where something unexpected or positive occurs following a loss, creating a sense of surprise or resilience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "despite this defeat" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrasting element following a loss. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not overly frequent, it's commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias and other media, conveying resilience, or unexpected developments. When using this phrase, ensure it genuinely connects the defeat to a contrasting outcome rather than serving as a mere statement of fact. Alternatives like "in spite of this loss" or "notwithstanding this setback" can be used for variety, but the core message remains the same: acknowledging a setback while highlighting a subsequent unexpected event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Notwithstanding this setback

Emphasizes the lack of impact of the setback.

Even with this loss

Highlights the presence of a loss but doesn't dwell on it.

In spite of this failure

Directly acknowledges failure but implies persistence.

Regardless of this outcome

Focuses on the independence of future actions from the result.

Yet, the setback notwithstanding

More formal phrasing, emphasizing the continuation despite difficulty.

This setback notwithstanding

Highlights that something continues to persists even if something went wrong.

Despite the aforementioned defeat

Formal, referencing a previously mentioned loss.

Even though they lost

Simplified alternative, focusing on the act of losing.

Following this loss

Highlights what follows this loss.

After experiencing this defeat

Simplified alternative, focusing on the act of defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "despite this defeat" in a sentence?

Use "despite this defeat" to show that something positive or unexpected happened even after a loss. For example: "Despite this defeat, the team gained valuable experience".

What are some alternatives to "despite this defeat"?

You can use alternatives like "in spite of this loss", "regardless of this outcome", or "notwithstanding this setback" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to follow "despite this defeat" with a positive statement?

While often followed by a positive outcome, "despite this defeat" can also lead to a surprising or unexpected development. Ensure the subsequent statement contrasts with the expected negative impact of the defeat.

What's the difference between "despite this defeat" and "because of this defeat"?

"Despite this defeat" introduces a contrasting element, while "because of this defeat" implies that the defeat caused the subsequent event. The former shows resilience; the latter shows a direct causal relationship.