stunning defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stunning defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a surprising or impressive loss in a competitive context, such as sports or elections. Example: "The team faced a stunning defeat in the championship game, leaving fans in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite Nadal's stunning defeat, not all was lost for Spain.

The New York Times - Sports

If he suffers a stunning defeat, however, he insists he is ready to accept it.

The Guardian

Hillary Clinton's stunning defeat on Tuesday left the party leaderless and opened a struggle for control.

The Guardian

This stunning defeat was redeemed two years later at Mons-en-Pévèle, where Philip showed exceptional personal courage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

George Galloway delivered a typically eccentric speech after he suffered a stunning defeat at the hands of Labour's Naz Shah.

Independent

Asia's first notable success was North Korea's stunning defeat of Italy at the 1966 World Cup finals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But in California the idea that C.E.O.s know best went down to a stunning defeat last night.

The New Yorker

What was to be a simple but emotional homecoming for Jarvis turned into a stunning defeat that will cost St.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether Ewing plays or not, the Pacers said their mind would remain set on avenging the stunning defeat last year.

The New York Times - Sports

Roger Federer insisted it was not the end of an era, but that was the inescapable conclusion after the 31-year-old's stunning defeat here.

Independent

After their stunning defeat on Wednesday, the Orioles no doubt need a good start in Game 4. Phil Hughes, the Yankees starter, has not pitched since Sept. 30.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, reserve "stunning defeat" for situations where the loss significantly deviates from expectations or previous performance.

Common error

Avoid using "stunning defeat" for minor setbacks or predictable losses. Its impact is diminished when applied too broadly. Instead, consider less dramatic terms like "loss" or "setback".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stunning defeat" functions as a noun phrase where "stunning" is an adjective modifying the noun "defeat". According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, to emphasize the unexpected and impactful nature of a loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stunning defeat" is a phrase used to describe an unexpected and significant loss. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, with 'stunning' modifying 'defeat', and serves to highlight the element of surprise and the impact of the loss. While its register is generally neutral, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, consider its dramatic connotation and whether it accurately reflects the scale and unexpectedness of the defeat. Overusing it in trivial situations diminishes its impact. Alternatives like "shocking loss" or "unexpected setback" may be more suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shocking loss

Focuses on the element of surprise and disbelief associated with the defeat.

unexpected setback

Highlights the unforeseen nature of the defeat and its negative impact.

surprising rout

Emphasizes the completeness and one-sidedness of the defeat, adding to the surprise.

crushing blow

Focuses on the damaging impact and disheartening effect of the defeat.

humiliating loss

Highlights the shame and embarrassment associated with the defeat.

major upset

Emphasizes the unexpectedness and the disruption of expectations caused by the defeat.

resounding failure

Emphasizes the decisiveness and completeness of the defeat.

startling loss

Highlights the abrupt and attention-grabbing nature of the defeat.

unexpected trouncing

Emphasizes the unexpected and overwhelming nature of the loss.

disappointing downfall

Focuses on the disappointment and the fall from a higher position or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "stunning defeat" in a sentence?

You can use "stunning defeat" to describe an unexpected and significant loss, as in "The candidate suffered a "stunning defeat" in the election" or "The team's "stunning defeat" shocked their fans".

What are some alternatives to "stunning defeat"?

Alternatives include "shocking loss", "unexpected setback", or "surprising rout". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the defeat you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to use "stunning defeat"?

No, "stunning defeat" implies a significant surprise. If the loss was anticipated or not particularly impactful, a more neutral term like "loss" or "defeat" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "stunning defeat" and "major upset"?

"Stunning defeat" emphasizes the impact and unexpectedness of the loss itself, while "major upset" focuses on the disruption of expectations or rankings. A "major upset" often results in a "stunning defeat" for the favored party.