edge of defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "edge of defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is very close to losing or failing. Example: "The team fought valiantly, but they found themselves on the edge of defeat as the clock ticked down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The furious ending rescued an exhausted Chisora from the edge of defeat.

Independent

To suggest we are on the edge of defeat is to yield to unreasonable pessimism.

The New Yorker

A year ago, he had Sampras on the edge of defeat.

The New York Times - Sports

The visitors may have been more adventurous thereafter, but it was the enterprise of men on the edge of defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

BEIJING — For seven innings and an extra one, the United States softball team found itself somewhere frighteningly unfamiliar during an Olympics — at the edge of defeat.

The New York Times - Sports

Robert Mugabe, the enduring political chameleon who'd led the nation since its liberation from Britain in 1980, seemed on the cliff edge of defeat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

And if his better-than-expected popularity continues, it might give him just enough of an edge to defeat Mitt Romney in what is likely to be a close election.

The New York Times

Gov. Andrew Cuomo sought to use the power of incumbency and a huge fund-raising edge to defeat his upstart Democratic rival, Cynthia Nixon.

The New York Times

I can't wait to see them play". Ford admitted to being "upset" and "angry" after the defeat to Newcastle and says the pain of defeat has given his players an edge ahead of Sunday's re-arranged fixture.

BBC

His only goal of the season came from the edge of the box in a 2 1 defeat at Burton Albion on 8 April 2008.

Wikipedia

The victory for Ms Higaldo took the edge off the pain of defeats elsewhere.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "edge of defeat" when you want to highlight the precariousness of a situation, where failure is a distinct and immediate possibility. It conveys a sense of tension and impending loss.

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "edge of defeat" can make your writing seem repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "brink of collapse" or "verge of failure" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "edge of defeat" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier. It describes the state or condition of a subject, indicating proximity to failure. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Sport

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "edge of defeat" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the precarious state of being close to failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and sports reporting. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, avoid overuse by employing synonyms like "brink of collapse" or "verge of failure" to maintain engaging prose. Using "edge of defeat" effectively adds tension and emphasizes the imminence of potential loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brink of collapse

Changes the metaphor from a defined edge to an unstable brink, implying a greater likelihood of immediate failure.

verge of failure

Replaces "defeat" with "failure", focusing on the general inability to succeed rather than a specific loss.

point of losing

More directly states the imminence of loss, lacking the figurative intensity of the original.

cusp of downfall

Substitutes "defeat" with "downfall", suggesting a more significant and irreversible decline.

near defeat

Simplifies the expression to a more straightforward description of proximity to losing.

close to being defeated

Expands the phrase into a clause, adding clarity but diminishing the concise impact.

on the ropes

An idiomatic expression, primarily in sports, signifying a state of near defeat.

facing imminent defeat

Emphasizes the inevitability of the loss, making it a bit more dramatic.

in danger of losing

Highlights the peril involved in the situation, focusing on potential loss.

on the threshold of defeat

Replaces "edge" with "threshold", offering a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "edge of defeat" in a sentence?

You can use "edge of defeat" to describe a situation where someone or something is very close to losing or failing, like in the sentence "The team fought valiantly, but they found themselves on the "edge of defeat" as the clock ticked down".

What are some alternatives to "edge of defeat"?

You can use alternatives like "brink of collapse", "verge of failure", or "point of losing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "edge of defeat" a formal or informal phrase?

"Edge of defeat" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While not overly technical, it carries a sense of drama that fits well in news reports, sports commentary, and even creative writing.

What does it mean to be on the "edge of defeat"?

Being on the "edge of defeat" signifies that a person, team, or entity is in a dire situation, extremely close to experiencing failure or loss. It suggests a high level of risk and uncertainty about the outcome.