recognize defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recognize defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when acknowledging that one has lost or failed in a particular situation or competition. Example: "After a long and challenging match, the team had to recognize defeat and congratulate their opponents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The big miscalculation underlying the American-led intervention in Iraq was that the enemy would recognize defeat, and submit.

The New Yorker

In an open letter to Mr. Milosevic earlier today, Mr. Kostunica said "it will be better for you to recognize" defeat or risk "the danger of open clashes" throughout Serbia.

The New York Times

It was interesting learning to recognize defeat, and not even think of it as defeat, but think of it as, "I tried this.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

As Macri's supporters celebrated around Buenos Aires on Sunday night the mood was desolate outside Scioli's headquarters in a Buenos Aires hotel as the losing candidate recognized defeat.

Vice

If the Baker-Hamilton commission cannot bring itself to recognize a defeat as a defeat, then it cannot recommend the scale of change needed to develop a potentially successful third campaign.I am not sure that I fully follow the logic in this last paragraph.

The Economist

He is appealing to Mr. Milosevic to recognize his defeat and step down to spare the country.

The New York Times

There was no other possibility; we tried in every other way to get Slobodan Milosevic to recognize his defeat".

The New York Times

The first line of the protection is assured by innate immune cells, which are able to recognize and defeat pathogens.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Although the official quoted contended that "the Chinese government has won a decisive victory in its ongoing battle against Falun Gong," he added that "the cult group led by Li Hongzhi has not recognized their defeat and continues to cause trouble".

The New York Times

In a brief nationally televised address, President Juan Manuel Santos recognized his defeat at the polls "by the tightest of margins" — it was decided by less than half a percentage point — but said he was not ready to give up his quest for a peace agreement.

Los Angeles Times

"Al Qaeda and the other global terror networks recognize that the defeat of Saddam Hussein's regime is a defeat for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "recognize defeat" when you want to emphasize the act of acknowledging a loss, often implying a degree of acceptance or understanding of the reasons behind it. It's suitable in formal contexts, such as political analyses or business reports.

Common error

Avoid using "recognize defeat" when you actually mean to convey active acceptance of the loss and moving on. "Recognizing" is acknowledging, while "accepting" implies a more proactive response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recognize defeat" functions as a verbal phrase, often used to describe the action of acknowledging a loss or failure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase can be part of a larger clause, indicating a turning point or acceptance of a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "recognize defeat" is grammatically sound and used to acknowledge a loss or failure. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage. While alternatives like "acknowledge defeat" or "admit defeat" exist, "recognize defeat" emphasizes the act of understanding and conceding to the loss, often in a formal context. The usage is more common in news, wiki and scientific contexts, leaning towards a neutral to formal register. When writing, be mindful of whether you want to simply convey acknowledgement or suggest acceptance and action, and choose your wording accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acknowledge defeat

Replaces "recognize" with a more straightforward synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

admit defeat

Substitutes "recognize" with "admit", emphasizing the act of openly acknowledging the loss.

accept defeat

Focuses on the acceptance of the outcome rather than just the recognition of it.

concede defeat

Implies a formal or official acknowledgement of losing, often used in competitive or political contexts.

bow to the inevitable

A more figurative expression suggesting acceptance of an unavoidable loss.

yield to the opposition

Highlights giving way to an opposing force or viewpoint.

surrender

Indicates a more complete and decisive submission.

throw in the towel

An informal idiom for giving up, typically in a contest or struggle.

cry uncle

An informal idiom indicating surrender or admitting defeat, especially to avoid further pain or difficulty.

eat humble pie

Idiom that implies the admission of error or wrongdoing, a form of defeat.

FAQs

What does "recognize defeat" mean?

The phrase "recognize defeat" means to acknowledge or realize that one has lost or failed in a competition, election, or other endeavor.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "recognize defeat"?

It is appropriate to use "recognize defeat" in situations where someone acknowledges they have lost, often implying a degree of acceptance or understanding of the reasons for the loss. It's common in news, formal, and business contexts.

What are some alternatives to "recognize defeat"?

Some alternatives to "recognize defeat" include "acknowledge defeat", "admit defeat", or "concede defeat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "recognize defeat" the same as "accept defeat"?

While similar, "recognize defeat" implies acknowledging the loss, whereas "accept defeat" suggests a more active acceptance of the outcome and a willingness to move forward. Recognize is acknowledging, while accepting is embracing and moving on.