proposal was defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proposal was defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a suggestion or plan has been rejected or not approved, often in formal or political discussions. Example: "After a lengthy debate, the proposal was defeated in the vote, leaving the committee to consider alternative solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The proposal was defeated.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the government proposal was defeated 285 272.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That proposal was defeated on Tuesday, 61-37.

The New York Times

His proposal was defeated, 235 to 177.

The New York Times

A similar proposal was defeated last week, but barely.

The New York Times

The proposal was defeated on a 6-to-5 vote.

The Washington Post

But his proposal was defeated by 96votess to 21.

The Guardian

A similar proposal was defeated a few years ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Davis's proposal was defeated on a voice vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

His proposal was defeated by 241 votes to 97, a government majority of 144.

Independent

A proposal was defeated in Haddonfield in the mid-1990's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the rejection of a proposal, provide context on why it was defeated to give the audience a fuller understanding of the situation.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear who defeated the proposal. Ambiguity can arise if the agent responsible for the defeat is not explicitly stated, potentially leading to confusion about the outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proposal was defeated" acts as a declarative statement. It's used to report the outcome of a vote or decision regarding a plan or suggestion. Ludwig shows its use in diverse scenarios like political votes, business meetings, and community decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "proposal was defeated" is a common and grammatically correct way to communicate that a plan or suggestion has been formally rejected. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. The phrase serves a clear purpose: to inform the audience about the outcome of a decision-making process. While it maintains a neutral register, it's suitable for both formal and informal communications, making it a versatile expression for reporting on unsuccessful proposals. For alternative phrasings, consider "the motion failed" or "the plan was rejected" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the motion failed

Focuses on the failure of a formal proposal or motion.

the plan was rejected

Emphasizes the act of rejecting a specific plan.

the suggestion was turned down

Highlights that an idea or suggestion was refused.

the amendment was voted down

Specific to legislative or parliamentary contexts, indicating a formal vote against an amendment.

the idea was dismissed

Implies that an idea was considered but quickly discarded.

the scheme was scrapped

Indicates a project or scheme was completely abandoned.

the initiative was abandoned

Similar to 'scrapped', but often refers to a more formal initiative.

the measure was overturned

Suggests a decision or measure was reversed or invalidated.

the bid was unsuccessful

Focuses on the lack of success of a particular attempt or bid.

the effort was thwarted

Highlights that an effort was actively prevented from succeeding.

FAQs

What does it mean when a proposal is described as "defeated"?

It means the proposal was formally rejected or did not receive enough support to pass or be implemented.

What are some alternative ways to say "proposal was defeated"?

You can use alternatives like "the motion failed", "the plan was rejected", or "the suggestion was turned down".

Is "proposal was defeated" formal or informal language?

It is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in news reporting and formal discussions.

Which is more appropriate, "proposal was defeated" or "proposal failed"?

Both are acceptable, but "proposal was defeated" often implies a more active rejection, such as through a vote, while "proposal failed" can suggest a lack of success for any reason.