utterly defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

"utterly defeated" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in any context to describe a person or an object as having been completely and totally defeated. For example, "The wrestler felt utterly defeated after being pinned on the mat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They looked utterly defeated.

The New York Times - Travel

The Scots were eventually scattered and utterly defeated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Utterly defeated, I filled out the paperwork to drop out.

The New York Times

What now awaits the utterly defeated Congress party?

The Economist

Her limbs are withered and her eyes utterly defeated.

The Guardian

Germany was utterly defeated; millions of people had died, and its cities lay in ruins.

The New Yorker

The German players were short of experience (the LBW rule utterly defeated them).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Operative utterly defeats all of these hopes, chiefly in being at all times extremely boring.

The Guardian - Film

That second or third goal to utterly defeat the opponent mentally has been out of grasp for some time.

The Guardian - Sport

It is important to protect the interests of local residents and businesses, but forcing exchange sites to the far edges of a city or town would utterly defeat their purpose.

The New York Times

PERHAPS no fact is more revealing about Iraq's history than this: The Iraqis have a word that means to utterly defeat and humiliate someone by dragging his corpse through the streets.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly defeated" to emphasize the completeness and totality of a loss, whether in a literal or figurative sense. It conveys a stronger sense of failure than simply saying 'defeated'.

Common error

While "utterly defeated" is appropriate for formal writing and news reports, reserve it for situations where the defeat is truly significant. Overusing it in casual conversation or informal writing can sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly defeated" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe the state of being completely and thoroughly beaten or overcome. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly defeated" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a state of complete and thorough loss or failure. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, with a notable presence in news media and encyclopedic entries. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it can sound somewhat dramatic in casual settings. Related phrases include "completely vanquished" and "soundly beaten", offering similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. When using "utterly defeated", consider the context and desired level of formality to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely vanquished

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the defeat, implying a more formal or decisive victory for the opponent.

soundly beaten

Suggests a decisive defeat where the losing party had little chance of success.

totally crushed

Conveys a sense of overwhelming defeat, often with emotional or psychological impact.

decisively overcome

Highlights the conclusive nature of the defeat and the superior strength of the victor.

thoroughly routed

Implies a disorganized retreat or scattering of the defeated party, often in a military context.

left in ruins

Focuses on the aftermath of the defeat, emphasizing the destruction and disarray left behind.

brought to their knees

Illustrates a state of submission and helplessness resulting from the defeat.

suffered a complete loss

States the defeat in plain terms, without emphasizing the manner or intensity.

met their Waterloo

Alludes to a final, decisive defeat, drawing a historical parallel to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.

rendered powerless

Highlights the loss of agency and ability to act as a consequence of the defeat.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly defeated" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly defeated" to describe a complete and thorough loss, such as, "After the final round, the boxer looked "utterly defeated"." or "The political party was "utterly defeated" in the recent elections".

What phrases can I use instead of "utterly defeated"?

Alternatives include "completely vanquished", "soundly beaten", or "totally crushed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more correct to say "utterly defeated" or "completely defeated"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "Utterly defeated" emphasizes the totality of the defeat, while "completely defeated" is a more general expression of having lost entirely.

What's the difference between "utterly defeated" and "utterly destroyed"?

"Utterly defeated" typically refers to a loss in a competition, battle, or other contest. "Utterly destroyed", on the other hand, suggests a more complete and irreversible ruin or demolition. Consider the context to choose the most accurate phrase.