lost decisively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost decisively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been defeated in a clear and unmistakable manner. Example: "The team lost decisively in the championship game, leaving no doubt about the winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both lost decisively.

The New York Times

A series of votes on different clauses were lost decisively.

The Guardian

Poland held elections — which the country's Communists lost, decisively.

The New York Times

The Democrats lost decisively the presidential elections of 1920 , 1924 and 1928.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She lost decisively, mustering a paltry 90 votes out of 2,861 (or 3.1%).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. McCain, as it happens, matched that percentage in 2008, but lost decisively to Mr. Obama.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The Pittsburgh Steelers were losing decisively, and they had brought out a no-huddle offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Ronald Reagan and the governor of Michigan, George Romney, would most likely lose decisively.

The New York Times

Even if the plaintiffs lose decisively, fair should probably be regarded as a skirmish in a wider war.

The New Yorker

Were Zimbabweans able to make a free choice, Mugabe would almost certainly lose decisively to Morgan Tsvangirai, the MDC candidate.

The Guardian

He was said to be leading in the polls before Election Day, but ended up losing decisively.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost decisively" to clearly and unambiguously convey a significant defeat in situations where the outcome is not in doubt. It is best suited for formal and factual contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lost decisively" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "lost badly" or "got beat" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost decisively" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the verb, specifying how the losing occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It indicates a clear, unambiguous defeat, as shown in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost decisively" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a clear and unambiguous defeat. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and demonstrates its applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as encyclopedic entries. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral to formal register, making it ideal for professional and factual communications. For informal settings, alternatives like "lost badly" may be more suitable. When aiming to communicate a significant defeat, "lost decisively" is a strong and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffered a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the severity and impact of the loss.

was soundly defeated

Highlights the thoroughness and completeness of the defeat.

incurred a resounding loss

Stresses the widespread and impactful nature of the defeat.

met with utter defeat

Underscores the totality and lack of ambiguity in the loss.

experienced a complete rout

Suggests a disorganized and overwhelming defeat.

was thoroughly beaten

Focuses on the comprehensive nature of the defeat.

failed miserably

Highlights the inadequacy and poor performance leading to the loss.

was heavily defeated

Emphasizes the magnitude of the loss.

was overwhelmingly defeated

Indicates a defeat by a large margin.

succumbed completely

Focuses on the act of yielding entirely, resulting in defeat.

FAQs

What does "lost decisively" mean?

The phrase "lost decisively" means to lose in a clear and unambiguous manner, leaving no doubt about the outcome. It implies a significant margin of defeat.

What can I say instead of "lost decisively"?

You can use alternatives like "suffered a crushing defeat", "was soundly defeated", or "incurred a resounding loss" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "lost decisively" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "lost decisively" is more suited for formal writing and news reports. In informal contexts, phrases like "lost badly" or "got beat" might be more appropriate.

Which is more emphatic: "lost decisively" or "lost"?

"Lost decisively" is more emphatic than simply "lost". It adds the nuance of a clear and significant defeat, leaving no room for ambiguity. "Lost" is a general statement and can indicate any type of defeat, regardless of the margin.