resounding defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

'resounding defeat' is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to emphasize how great a loss was, e.g. The team suffered a resounding defeat, losing by a margin of 20 points.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rather, his joy came from the Democrats' resounding defeat.

The New York Times

The public's disillusionment is such that the polls predict a resounding defeat for the current coalition.

The Guardian

April 2005 A resounding defeat in regional polls leads to the coalition's fall and Berlusconi's resignation, but after receiving a presidential mandate he forms a new government.

The Guardian

In Oregon, a plan to create a single statewide health plan for all residents appeared to be headed for resounding defeat.

The New York Times

The congress was called after the Socialists' resounding defeat in local elections and Mr. Milosevic's failure in the race for Yugoslav president on Sept. 24.

The New York Times

Each went down to resounding defeat during the earliest stages of debate.

HuffPost

According to a report in the business section of the South China Morning Post, the motion went down to resounding defeat.

Los Angeles Times

Following his resounding defeat by Democrat Tammy Duckworth Tuesday, Tea Party-affiliated U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill). is considering what his post-Congress life might entail.

Huffington Post

But with a resounding defeat, that option becomes less likely.

The New York Times

The case garnered international attention, and the decision was a resounding defeat for ID proponents.

University of California, Berkeley

Nonetheless, the Commission opted to vigorously pursue this enforcement action and suffered a resounding defeat.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resounding defeat" when you want to emphasize not just a loss, but a loss that is clear, decisive, and leaves no room for doubt. It adds impact and a sense of finality to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "resounding defeat" for minor setbacks or slight losses. This phrase carries a strong connotation of decisiveness and scale; using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resounding defeat" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'suffer', 'face', 'cause'). It describes the state of having lost in a clear and emphatic manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "resounding defeat" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the magnitude and clarity of a loss. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts but is most frequently encountered in news and media, followed by academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the defeat you are describing is indeed significant and decisive, as overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider alternatives like "crushing defeat" or "overwhelming loss" for nuanced expression. The examples demonstrate its versatility across various domains, from politics to sports.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushing defeat

Emphasizes the overwhelming and demoralizing nature of the defeat.

overwhelming loss

Highlights the extensiveness and impact of the loss.

decisive defeat

Focuses on the conclusiveness and lack of ambiguity in the defeat.

utter failure

Stresses the complete and total lack of success.

complete rout

Indicates a disorganized and chaotic defeat, often in a military context.

humiliating setback

Highlights the embarrassing and degrading aspect of the defeat.

thorough thrashing

Implies a comprehensive and forceful defeat.

comprehensive loss

Underlines the all-encompassing nature of the loss.

total collapse

Suggests a sudden and catastrophic failure.

crushing blow

Emphasizes the devastating impact of the defeat.

FAQs

How to use "resounding defeat" in a sentence?

You can use "resounding defeat" to describe a loss that is significant and undeniable, for example: "The proposal suffered a "resounding defeat" in the parliament."

What can I say instead of "resounding defeat"?

You can use alternatives like "crushing defeat", "overwhelming loss", or "decisive defeat" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "resounding defeat" or "resounding victory"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Resounding defeat" describes a significant loss, while "resounding victory" describes a significant win.

What's the difference between "resounding defeat" and "minor setback"?

"Resounding defeat" implies a substantial and conclusive loss, whereas "minor setback" suggests a temporary or insignificant obstacle. The scale and impact are vastly different.