lost badly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost badly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something (or someone) that failed in a dramatic way. For example, "The team lost badly in the final match of the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

The Tories lost badly.

The Guardian

And Smith lost badly.

The Guardian - Sport

Both Akin and Mourdock lost badly.

The New Yorker

As it was they lost badly.

Independent

Hesitant and reedy, he lost badly.

The Economist

Goldwater lost badly against Lyndon Johnson.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a defeat, use "lost badly" to clearly convey the magnitude and significance of the loss. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the degree to which the outcome was unfavorable.

Common error

Avoid using "lost badly" to describe minor setbacks or inconsequential losses. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the defeat is substantial and noteworthy, or the context could seem melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost badly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb "lost" to intensify the degree of defeat. It emphasizes the magnitude and decisiveness of the loss. Ludwig AI also confirms this interpretation with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost badly" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe a significant defeat. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to emphasize the magnitude of the loss. While highly effective in conveying the scale of defeat, it should be reserved for notable losses to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternative phrases such as "suffered a crushing defeat" or "were soundly defeated" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incurred a decisive loss

Stresses the finality and lack of ambiguity in the loss.

suffered a crushing defeat

Indicates a very significant and demoralizing loss.

were trounced

Emphasizes the extent and ease with which the defeat was achieved.

had a resounding defeat

Suggests a defeat that was both clear and widely recognized.

were soundly defeated

Emphasizes the completeness of the defeat.

were thoroughly beaten

Implies a complete and comprehensive defeat.

experienced a heavy loss

Focuses on the magnitude of the loss.

underwent a severe drubbing

Suggests a particularly harsh and one-sided defeat.

met with utter failure

Emphasizes the complete lack of success.

faced a major setback

Highlights the impact of the loss on progress or goals.

FAQs

How can I use "lost badly" in a sentence?

You can use "lost badly" to describe a significant defeat. For example, "The team "lost badly" in the championship game", indicating a considerable margin of defeat.

What can I say instead of "lost badly"?

You can use alternatives like "suffered a crushing defeat", "were soundly defeated", or "faced a major setback" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lost badly" or "badly lost"?

"Lost badly" is the correct and more common word order. "Badly lost" is less frequently used and may sound awkward in most contexts.

What's the difference between "lost badly" and "lost narrowly"?

"Lost badly" implies a significant defeat, while "lost narrowly" suggests a close or marginal loss. The former indicates a large difference in score or performance, while the latter indicates a small difference.