utter defeat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter defeat" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something loses completely and without hope of recovery. For example, "After his utter defeat in the election, the congressman decided to retire from politics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I felt the intense pleasure of giving up, the expansive freedom of utter defeat.

The New Yorker

Take, for example, the utter defeat of the Bahujan Samaj Party of Mayawati, the Dalit leader in Uttar Pradesh.

The Economist

India felt humiliated by its utter defeat at the hands of Mao's army in the 1962 war.

The Economist

When he discovers that the novel she refers to is one she is reading, not writing, he slumps across the table in utter defeat.

The New Yorker

He appears to think that Japan did very little bad in the imperial years before its utter defeat in 1945 (a view that riles Japan's neighbours).

The Economist

On another occasion Scout destroys Henry's eyeglasses on a day when he is stressed about a work deadline, leaving him prostrate on the floor, sobbing in utter defeat.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Why would a party one election away from utter, catastrophic defeat gamble on anyone less unimpeachably solid?

The Economist

Utter frustration.

Independent

Rebel-held Aleppo seems condemned to utter destruction and defeat.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Ms Brown would never be expected to utter the word "defeat", her departure from the company comes after a long period of turmoil in the Beast news room and tension with IAC/InteractiveCorp and its chairman Mr Diller, which wrote the cheques to keep it afloat.

Independent

The alternatives are victory, defeat and utter mayhem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter defeat" to emphasize the completeness and decisiveness of a loss, especially in contexts where the emotional or psychological impact is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "utter defeat" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler phrases like "complete loss" or "total failure" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter defeat" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "utter" intensifies the noun "defeat". Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is grammatically correct and widely used in English to describe a complete and devastating loss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter defeat" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a complete and devastating loss. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage, predominantly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best employed in formal writing to emphasize the magnitude of a loss. Remember to consider alternatives like "complete failure" or "crushing defeat" for different nuances, and avoid overuse in casual speech. By understanding its nuances, you can use "utter defeat" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decisive loss

Indicates a clear and unquestionable defeat.

crushing defeat

Highlights the emotional impact and intensity of the defeat.

resounding defeat

Stresses the clarity and decisiveness of the defeat.

complete failure

Focuses on the lack of success rather than the act of being defeated.

total loss

Emphasizes the loss of something valuable, not necessarily in a competitive context.

catastrophic failure

Highlights the devastating results of the defeat.

humiliating failure

Underscores the shame and embarrassment associated with the defeat.

absolute collapse

Suggests a sudden and catastrophic breakdown leading to defeat.

thorough thrashing

Implies a more violent or forceful defeat, often in sports.

unmitigated disaster

Focuses on the disastrous consequences resulting from the defeat.

FAQs

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

You can use "utter defeat" to describe situations where someone or something experiences a complete and devastating loss. For example, "The team suffered an "utter defeat" in the championship game".

What are some alternatives to "utter defeat"?

Alternatives include "complete failure", "total loss", or "crushing defeat". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "utter defeat" formal or informal?

"Utter defeat" leans towards the formal side and is often found in news reporting, academic writing, and professional communication. Using less formal alternatives such as "complete loss" is better suited for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "utter defeat" and "resounding defeat"?

"Utter defeat" emphasizes the completeness of the loss, whereas "resounding defeat" highlights the decisiveness and clarity of the loss. Both indicate a significant loss, but "resounding" suggests that the defeat was unmistakable and left no room for doubt.