heavily outnumbered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavily outnumbered" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group that has been significantly outnumbered by its opponents. For example, "The small campaign team was heavily outnumbered by the opposition's well-funded team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Realising they were heavily outnumbered, the Wiltshire force called for reinforcements.

Independent

European airlines are heavily outnumbered by American ones on most transatlantic routes.

The Economist

By daybreak police on the square began to look heavily outnumbered by an increasingly angry crowd.

Independent

Many people near the presidential palace report that the opposition protesters are heavily outnumbered.

The Guardian

However, the heavily outnumbered Russians pulled back rather than risk all in a single battle.

Britannica

It was reassuring that the anti-racist forces heavily outnumbered the provocateurs.

The Guardian - Opinion

And despite the recent influx, they're still heavily outnumbered by boy-oriented shows.

The New York Times

Armstrong was also armed, but so heavily outnumbered that he didn't stand a chance.

The Guardian

He will join about 9,000 heavily outnumbered Iceland fans in Paris's Stade de France.

The Guardian

The battle, which lasted only 40 minutes, resulted in bitter defeat for the heavily outnumbered Jacobites.

Britannica

The species is frequently heavily outnumbered by the local form of Blond-crested Woodpecker (Celeus flavescens ochraceus).

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavily outnumbered", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being counted (e.g., soldiers, votes, resources). This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "heavily outnumbered" when the numerical difference is marginal. Reserve it for scenarios where the disparity is significant and consequential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavily outnumbered" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing a group or entity facing a numerical disadvantage. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and in wide use. It is used to emphasize the significant disparity in numbers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "heavily outnumbered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a significant numerical disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Primarily found in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, it serves to emphasize the scale of disparity and often implies vulnerability. When writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what's being counted and that the numerical difference is truly substantial. By considering related phrases and common errors, writers can use "heavily outnumbered" effectively to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly outnumbered

Emphasizes the notable difference in numbers between the two groups.

greatly outnumbered

Highlights the large extent of the numerical imbalance.

vastly outnumbered

Implies an immense difference in the quantity of individuals or items.

overwhelmingly outnumbered

Suggests the numerical difference is so large as to be practically insurmountable.

largely outnumbered

Focuses on the considerable size of the number disparity.

considerably outnumbered

Indicates a substantial but not necessarily overwhelming difference in count.

massively outnumbered

Highlights the sheer scale of numerical inferiority.

substantially outnumbered

Indicates a notable quantity disparity.

heavily outmatched

Focuses on the disparity of the individuals or items, highlighting a general imbalance and inferiority in resources or skills, not just numbers.

decisively inferior in number

Highlights a situation where one group's numbers are plainly far less than another's.

FAQs

How to use "heavily outnumbered" in a sentence?

You can use "heavily outnumbered" to describe a situation where one group is significantly smaller in number than another, such as: "The small village was "heavily outnumbered" by the invading army."

What can I say instead of "heavily outnumbered"?

You can use alternatives like "greatly outnumbered", "significantly outnumbered", or "vastly outnumbered" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "heavily outnumbered" or "slightly outnumbered"?

"Heavily outnumbered" and "slightly outnumbered" are both correct, but they describe very different situations. "Heavily" indicates a large numerical difference, while "slightly" indicates a small one.

What's the difference between "heavily outnumbered" and "heavily defeated"?

"Heavily outnumbered" describes a numerical disparity, while "heavily defeated" describes the outcome of a conflict where one side suffered a significant loss. You can be "heavily outnumbered" but still win, though it's less likely.