imminent defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "imminent defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where defeat is expected to happen very soon or is unavoidable. Example: "The team faced imminent defeat as the clock ticked down and their opponents maintained a significant lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

McCain gamely defended the legislation, which by then bore the odor of imminent defeat.

The New Yorker

Many express detestation or disillusionment with their present rulers, but none predicted their imminent defeat.

Independent

Coach Z.'s knees flexed under the weight of our imminent defeat.

The New Yorker

Thatcher lied about it and planned to send thousands of troops into the coalfields, as her government faced imminent defeat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Such sentiments soothe their listeners and are good for ratings, but the parts about incompetence and imminent defeat turned out to be false.

The Economist

Sensing his imminent defeat, Rudd chose not to contest the leadership vote, and Gillard was subsequently elected ALP leader and succeeded him as prime minister.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

On the eve of the bombing, many Baghdadis had been talking openly to foreigners; a week later, as mass uprisings failed to materialise and as ministers crowed of imminent American defeat, they were clamming up once more.

The Economist

Hussarek's efforts to federalize the empire in the moment of imminent military defeat unintentionally turned out to provide the basis for the formal liquidation of the Habsburg monarchy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The next by 137!" And then Ms Pendleton says she really does wuv you wots! 11am This game is almost certain to end with no result, so England can safely bask in the glory of an imminent 6-0 defeat.

The Guardian - Sport

This followed an agreed truce in the district of Swat in the North-West Frontier Province.Defying predictions of their imminent military defeat, Tamil Tiger rebels in Sri Lanka launched an attack on Colombo using two light aircraft, both of which were shot down.

The Economist

With the government's higher education changes facing imminent Senate defeat, and other central elements of last year's budget – including the GP copayment and welfare changes – also stalled due to Senate opposition, the prime minister insisted the government must nevertheless present a "glass half full" message by pointing to the smaller things it had been able to get done.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "imminent defeat" to create a sense of urgency or dramatic tension in your writing. It effectively conveys that a loss is not just possible, but nearly certain and about to occur.

Common error

Avoid using "imminent defeat" in situations where the potential for loss is only slight or uncertain. Overusing it can weaken its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Reserve it for scenarios where the likelihood of defeat is high and clearly apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imminent defeat" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "imminent" modifies the noun "defeat". It describes a state of being on the verge of losing. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes the condition of entities like "the Tigers" or "the Third Reich".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "imminent defeat" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a situation where loss or failure is highly likely and very near. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, the phrase appears primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. For alternative expressions, consider using "approaching downfall", "impending failure", or "looming loss". When using "imminent defeat", ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation to avoid melodramatic tone. Understanding the phrase's connotations and proper contexts enables writers to convey a sense of urgency and realism effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approaching downfall

Focuses on the negative outcome and its approach.

impending failure

Emphasizes the lack of success that is about to happen.

looming loss

Highlights the sense of threat and inevitability.

certain ruin

Stresses the catastrophic nature of the defeat.

unavoidable collapse

Highlights the fact that the defeat cannot be prevented.

inescapable failure

Underlines the inability to avoid the negative result.

near demise

Emphasizes the end or termination of something.

forthcoming vanquishment

A more formal term for being defeated.

next losing

Focuses simply on losing but adding the time component.

anticipated rout

Highlights the one-sided nature of the expected defeat.

FAQs

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

You can use "imminent defeat" to describe situations where a loss is very likely to happen soon. For example: "The army faced "imminent defeat" due to lack of supplies."

What's the difference between "imminent defeat" and "inevitable defeat"?

"Imminent defeat" suggests that the loss is about to happen very soon, while "inevitable defeat" means the loss is certain to happen at some point, but not necessarily immediately.

What can I say instead of "imminent defeat"?

Alternatives to "imminent defeat" include "approaching downfall", "impending failure", or "looming loss", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "imminent defeat" in formal writing?

Yes, "imminent defeat" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its usage depends on the context and the desired level of intensity. It is commonly found in news articles, historical accounts, and academic papers.