feel defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

'feel defeated' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You might use it to express a sense of overwhelm or being outdone in a situation, for example: After encountering so many rejections, she began to feel defeated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She began to feel defeated.

The New Yorker

But she didn't feel defeated.

The New York Times - Arts

You feel defeated".

The New York Times

There are times you feel defeated.

The New York Times

"I barely ever feel defeated in the theatre," he said.

The New Yorker

But she would not let the younger women feel defeated.

The New York Times

Needless to say, Israeli commanders did not feel defeated.

The New York Times

"You should all feel proud, do not feel defeated," he told supporters.

The New York Times

You can let it all fall down and feel defeated and hopeless and that you're done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Activists admit that some may feel defeated by the war's success.

The New York Times

"We feel defeated," Javier Torres, a younger brother of Ms. Torres, said outside court.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel defeated" to convey a sense of being overcome by challenges or setbacks. It is appropriate when the subject experiences a significant loss of motivation or hope.

Common error

Avoid using "feel defeated" for trivial or temporary inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the sense of discouragement is genuinely profound and has a lasting impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel defeated" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a state of emotion. It describes the subjective experience of being overcome by adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel defeated" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to express a sense of discouragement and hopelessness. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a significant emotional impact, avoiding overuse in minor situations. Consider related phrases like "feel discouraged" or "feel overwhelmed" for nuanced expressions. The high frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources underscore its validity in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel beaten

Implies being overpowered or overcome by circumstances, leading to a sense of defeat.

feel like giving up

Expresses the inclination to surrender due to a sense of defeat.

feel discouraged

Replaces "defeated" with "discouraged", suggesting a loss of enthusiasm rather than a complete sense of failure.

feel disheartened

Similar to "discouraged" but implies a deeper sense of disappointment and lowered spirits.

feel demoralized

Indicates a loss of morale and confidence, often due to a setback.

feel overwhelmed

Focuses on the sense of being burdened beyond one's capacity, leading to a feeling of defeat.

feel powerless

Focuses on the lack of ability to influence a situation, resulting in a feeling of defeat.

lose heart

An idiomatic expression meaning to become discouraged and give up.

give up hope

Emphasizes the loss of optimism and the belief in a positive outcome.

feel crushed

Suggests a strong emotional impact resulting in a feeling of being defeated.

FAQs

How can I use "feel defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "feel defeated" to describe a state of discouragement after facing setbacks. For example, "After the project's failure, she began to "feel defeated"."

What can I say instead of "feel defeated"?

You can use alternatives like "feel discouraged", "feel overwhelmed", or "lose heart" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am feeling defeated"?

Yes, "I am feeling defeated" is grammatically correct. It is the present continuous form and describes an ongoing feeling of defeat.

What's the difference between "feel defeated" and "be defeated"?

"Feel defeated" describes an emotional state, while "be defeated" describes the act of being overcome or beaten. For example, "The team felt defeated after they were defeated in the finals."