loses badly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loses badly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something experiences a significant defeat or failure. Example: "The team loses badly in the championship game, ending their hopes for the title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But if he loses badly, the new Bull Moosers could be the foundation of a reconstructed party in 2004.

The Guardian

So if Mr. Gingrich loses badly, it could be a sign that the debates remain a vital — and influential — part of the presidential campaign process.

The New York Times

But if the team does not make the postseason or loses badly in the first round, there is a chance Fassel will be fired.

The New York Times - Sports

However, both sides know that to lose the case would be a public relations disaster – possibly a financial disaster for Citigroup if it loses badly.

The Guardian - Business

If it loses badly in the European elections in June, it is at least conceivable that mutineers will re-surface decorously pore-surface decorouslythe hero of the credit crunch but the wrong man for its aftermath.

The Economist

There remains a remote chance that Miami will get that bounce if Oklahoma wins big over Kansas State and Florida loses badly to Auburn on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference championship game.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Querrey lost badly.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead the Raptors lost badly.

The New York Times - Sports

He lost badly both times.

The New Yorker

"We lost badly in 1976.

Independent

The Clasico was lost badly.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loses badly" to emphasize the severity and impact of a defeat, whether in sports, politics, or business. It conveys a stronger sense of failure than simply stating someone "lost".

Common error

While "loses badly" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "suffers a significant defeat" or "is decisively defeated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loses badly" functions as a verb phrase where "loses" is the verb and "badly" is an adverb modifying the verb. It describes the manner in which someone or something loses. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loses badly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a significant defeat. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It functions as a verb phrase, emphasizing the magnitude of the loss. While suitable for news, sports, and general contexts, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "suffers a crushing defeat" or "is soundly defeated" may be more appropriate in such situations. The phrase is prevalent in news and media sources, and less frequent in formal or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

loses decisively

Focuses on the clear and unambiguous nature of the loss.

suffers a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the loss.

is soundly defeated

Highlights the decisiveness of the defeat.

faces a resounding defeat

Emphasizes the widespread and impactful nature of the loss.

experiences a major setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the loss on progress.

is routed

Suggests a complete and disorganized defeat.

is thoroughly beaten

Highlights the completeness of the defeat.

gets trounced

Implies a humiliating and one-sided defeat.

endures a humiliating loss

Stresses the shame and embarrassment associated with the defeat.

is handed a heavy defeat

Highlights the scale of the loss.

FAQs

What does "loses badly" mean?

The phrase "loses badly" means to be defeated in a significant or overwhelming way. It indicates a defeat that is not just a simple loss, but one that is substantial and often humiliating.

What can I say instead of "loses badly"?

You can use alternatives like "suffers a crushing defeat", "is soundly defeated", or "experiences a major setback" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "loses badly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase uses "loses" as a verb and "badly" as an adverb to describe the manner of losing.

In what contexts is "loses badly" most appropriate?

The phrase is commonly used in news reporting, sports commentary, and political analysis to describe a significant defeat. While acceptable in many contexts, it should be used with caution in formal academic writing.