that was defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that has lost in a competition, battle, or conflict. Example: "The team that was defeated in the finals showed great sportsmanship despite the loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Japan was the country that was defeated," he said.

The Guardian

Crocodile tears were shed for a regional museum that was defeated by a telephone bidder.

The New York Times - Arts

The Conservative leader, Arthur Meighen, formed a government that was defeated in Parliament two days later.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before the vote, Mr. Gramm offered a competing proposal that was defeated.

The New York Times

Penry prosecutors testified against similar legislation that was defeated in Texas last year.

The New York Times

(After that was defeated, he supported a watered-down bill endorsed by the National Rifle Association).

The New York Times

Mr. Abbott enforced strict party discipline in a vote to legalize same-sex marriage that was defeated last year.

The New York Times

Mr. McCain also missed all eight votes on a renewable energy bill that was defeated last month.

The New York Times

Repeatedly, Mr. Sarkozy tried to link Mr. Hollande to the Socialist government in Spain that was defeated in elections last fall.

The New York Times

THE brief arrest on April 16th of Victor Selormey, a finance minister in the Ghanaian government that was defeated in December's election, was not unexpected.

The Economist

In the third Dutch War (1672 74), he served with the allied fleet that was defeated at Solebay on May 28 , 1672 and was promoted captain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was defeated" to clearly indicate a loss or failure, especially in contexts where a specific battle, competition, or vote is referenced. It provides a direct and easily understood description of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "that was defeated" excessively in contexts where active voice would be more impactful. For instance, instead of saying "the enemy that was defeated", consider "the enemy we defeated" to emphasize the action and agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was defeated" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and providing additional information about it. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, describing something or someone that has lost in a competition, battle, or conflict.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was defeated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause to describe something or someone that has experienced a loss or failure. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its broad applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias and media reporting. While straightforward and clear, remember to consider active voice alternatives for greater impact when appropriate. The phrase is generally neutral in tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that suffered defeat

Rephrases the original using a noun form of "defeat".

which was overcome

Replaces "defeated" with a synonym emphasizing the act of overcoming.

which was conquered

Implies a more forceful and complete defeat.

that was vanquished

Uses a more formal and emphatic synonym for "defeated".

that was overthrown

Suggests a removal from power or position.

which succumbed

Suggests yielding or giving way to defeat.

that was repelled

Focuses on the act of being pushed back or resisted successfully.

that lost

Simplifies the phrase to its most basic meaning.

that met its end

Indicates a final and conclusive defeat.

that failed

A more general term indicating lack of success.

FAQs

How can I use "that was defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "that was defeated" to describe something that has lost or been overcome in a contest, battle, or vote. For example, "The proposal "that was defeated" in the senate sparked public outcry".

What are some alternatives to using "that was defeated"?

Some alternatives include "which was overcome", "that suffered defeat", or simply "that lost", depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with the phrase "that was defeated"?

While "that was defeated" is grammatically correct, consider using active voice for greater impact. For example, instead of "the army "that was defeated"", you could say "the army we defeated".

What's the difference between "that was defeated" and "that was overthrown"?

"That was defeated" generally implies a loss in a competition or battle. "That was overthrown", on the other hand, suggests a removal from power or position, often through force or political maneuvering.