honourable defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "honourable defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loss in a competition or conflict that is viewed positively, often due to the manner in which it was conducted or the respect earned despite the loss. Example: "Although our team did not win the championship, we took pride in our honourable defeat, having played with integrity and sportsmanship throughout the season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Ignominious defeat has been turned into honourable defeat by Victor Trumper, Walter Hammond and several others.

The Guardian - Sport

Murdoch's novels, especially An Accidental Man and A Fairly Honourable Defeat, brilliantly explore these questions.

The Guardian - Books

Arsenal will have to do far better than this just to take an honourable defeat from the Stade de France.

The Guardian - Sport

But an honourable defeat might boost his presidential hopes.Devising a strategy for dealing with China will be hard for the DPP.

The Economist

An inoffensive club, friendly and reassuringly old fashioned, lies on the edge of the relegation zone after a predictably honourable defeat.

Independent

The thought will be anathema to most football romantics, but Burnley's hopes for the season may hinge on an honourable defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Honourable defeats to USSR and Brazil followed - 3-0 and 4-0 - and the team went back home with their heads held high.

The Guardian - Sport

I have to admit that the exit polls surprised me but by the time I went to bed at 2.30am I knew that Labour, who ran a decent and honourable campaign, had been defeated by the forces of nationalism in Scotland and a Tory campaign that played an incredibly strong hand of fear, envy and economic self-interest to middle- and upper-class Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ricky Ponting may have his moments on the field but he is an honourable and generous man in defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

The Action of 3 July 1810 was a minor naval engagement of the Napoleonic Wars, in which a French frigate squadron under Guy-Victor Duperré attacked and defeated a convoy of Honourable East India Company East Indiamen near the Comoros Islands.

Wikipedia

The job specification is accurate, however, and its significance is that it highlights the attractions of one rarely-tipped but strong possible contender: the Right Honourable John Major, MP.Conventional wisdom has it that a defeated Mr Major would stand no chance of hanging on as Tory leader.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "honourable defeat" to acknowledge a loss while highlighting positive aspects like integrity, effort, or maintaining principles.

Common error

Avoid using "honourable defeat" to describe everyday failures or minor setbacks. The phrase carries a weight of significance, implying a loss with dignity and principle at stake. Reserve it for situations where genuine honor or ethical considerations are involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "honourable defeat" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "honourable" modifies the noun "defeat". It characterizes the nature of the defeat, suggesting it was achieved in a morally commendable way. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "honourable defeat" is a grammatically sound and correct expression used to describe a loss that is, in some way, laudable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently employed to emphasize the positive qualities or ethical considerations associated with a defeat, as opposed to focusing solely on the negative outcome. It is primarily found in news and media contexts, with less frequent use in academic or wiki environments. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context warrants the implication of honor, dignity, or principled action; otherwise, it risks sounding hyperbolic or inappropriate. Consider alternatives like "respectable loss" or "noble failure" to better suit the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectable loss

Replaces "honourable" with "respectable", suggesting a loss that is worthy of esteem.

noble failure

Uses "noble" instead of "honourable", highlighting the virtuous or moral aspects of the defeat.

gallant defeat

Substitutes "honourable" with "gallant", emphasizing courage and bravery in the face of defeat.

creditable setback

Replaces "defeat" with "setback" softening the impact of the loss, while "creditable" indicates it was achieved with merit.

valiant loss

Emphasizes the courage and determination displayed despite the loss.

dignified surrender

Focuses on the manner of conceding, implying grace and composure in defeat, rather than a 'defeat' itself.

praiseworthy effort in defeat

Highlights the positive effort made, even though it resulted in a loss.

reputable loss

Emphasizes the good reputation maintained even in defeat.

commendable losing effort

Similar to praiseworthy effort in defeat but uses slightly different vocabulary to express the same sentiment.

ethical defeat

Stresses adherence to ethical principles throughout, even in defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "honourable defeat" in a sentence?

You can use "honourable defeat" to describe a loss where principles were upheld or significant effort was made despite the outcome. For example, "Despite losing the election, she accepted an "honourable defeat" knowing she stayed true to her values."

What can I say instead of "honourable defeat"?

Alternatives include "respectable loss", "noble failure", or "gallant defeat" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to describe a loss as an "honourable defeat"?

While generally positive, the phrase implies that the loss was, in some way, unavoidable or due to circumstances beyond control. It also suggests a higher moral ground was maintained. Therefore, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

What distinguishes an "honourable defeat" from a simple defeat?

An "honourable defeat" implies upholding principles, demonstrating courage, or making a significant effort, even in losing. A simple defeat is just a loss, without any specific positive connotations.