he was defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has lost a competition, battle, or challenge. Example: "Despite his best efforts, he was defeated in the final match of the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was defeated.

The Economist

Again he was defeated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inevitably he was defeated.

The Guardian - Books

He was defeated in the primary, anyway.

The New Yorker

He was defeated by Steele.

The Guardian

He was defeated in August's open primary.

The Economist

He was defeated on both counts.

The New York Times

Three years later, he was defeated by Mr. Rangel.

The New York Times

He was defeated for re-election four years later.

The New York Times

He was defeated by a landslide.

The New Yorker

After he was defeated for the governorship of Calif.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “he was defeated” to clearly and concisely indicate that someone has lost in a competition, election, or conflict. Choose synonyms like "he lost" or "he failed" when a more direct or less formal tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice, including phrases like “he was defeated”, when active voice would create a more direct and engaging sentence. For instance, instead of “He was defeated by his opponent”, consider “His opponent defeated him”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was defeated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject experienced defeat. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of this phrase used in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing, signifying a broad acceptance and understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

27%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was defeated" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express that someone has lost or been overcome in a competition or conflict. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various reputable sources, including news outlets, encyclopedias, and general writing. While neutral in register, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Consider alternatives like "he lost" or "he failed" for directness, and be mindful of overusing passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he lost

Simple and direct synonym; focuses on the act of losing.

he was beaten

Direct synonym focusing on the act of being overcome by an opponent.

he suffered defeat

Formal way to express loss.

he was unsuccessful

Emphasizes a lack of success, broader than just defeat.

he failed

Highlights the failure to achieve a goal.

he met his match

Suggests an opponent of equal or greater skill.

he succumbed

Implies giving in to pressure or force.

he came up short

Informal way of saying that the person didn't reach the goal.

he tasted defeat

More metaphorical, emphasizing the experience of loss.

he was conquered

Implies total subjugation, often in a military context.

FAQs

How can I use "he was defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "he was defeated" to describe a situation where someone lost a competition, election, or battle. For example: "Despite his efforts, "he was defeated" in the final round."

What are some alternatives to saying "he was defeated"?

Alternatives include "he lost", "he failed", "he was beaten", or "he succumbed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he was defeated" or "he lost"?

Both are correct, but "he lost" is more direct and active. "He was defeated" is passive and may be preferred when you want to emphasize the action rather than the actor.

What does it mean when someone says "he was defeated"?

It means that someone has been beaten or overcome in a competition, election, or other form of conflict. It implies a loss of some kind.