very defeated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very defeated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a strong feeling of defeat or loss, often in emotional or psychological contexts. Example: "After losing the championship game, the team felt very defeated and struggled to find motivation for the next season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"We were very defeated; we saw no future," he said.

The New York Times

I feel very defeated by HS and hated the whole thing".

The New Yorker

"I feel very defeated," Rita Williams, 47, above left, Mr. Williams's widow, said recently.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I found myself putting in all this effort for nothing, it was very defeating.

The Guardian - Tech

It's very defeating.

BMC Family Practice

Having allies will also help you feel confident and supported, two characteristics that bullies find very defeating.

WikiHow

To fail to resist what you see as injustice simply because you fear that you cannot win the fight assures the very defeat you dread.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sorry The equivalent of beleaguered for clubs who have capitulated and been very heavily defeated.

The Guardian - Sport

To win the Democratic nomination, Green had — very narrowly — defeated the Bronx borough president, Fernando Ferrer, and Ferrer, who had hoped to become the city's first Latino mayor, subsequently accused him of having done so by racist appeals.

The New Yorker

Goldsmith told Radio 4's World at One: "If we enter the next election with a manifesto which does not rule out expansion of Heathrow, I think the Conservative party would be very badly defeated in areas beneath the flightpath.

The Guardian

I think if we enter the next election with a manifesto which does not rule out expansion of Heathrow, I think that the Conservative party will be very badly defeated in areas beneath the flight path.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very defeated", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. While grammatically correct, alternatives like "utterly vanquished" or "completely demoralized" might provide a more vivid or precise description depending on the context.

Common error

While acceptable, relying heavily on "very defeated" can sound repetitive. In formal writing, vary your vocabulary with stronger, more descriptive alternatives like "utterly vanquished" or "profoundly disheartened" for a more impactful effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very defeated" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the state of being defeated, indicating a strong feeling of loss or discouragement. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes this emotional state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very defeated" is a grammatically sound and acceptable phrase used to express a strong feeling of loss or discouragement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s usable in written English to emphasize the intensity of defeat. While "very defeated" appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, remember to consider alternatives such as "utterly vanquished" or "completely demoralized" for greater impact or precision in formal settings. Use "very defeated" when you wish to emphasize the depth of someone's disappointment after a significant setback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly vanquished

Emphasizes a complete and total defeat, leaving no room for recovery.

completely demoralized

Focuses on the loss of morale and confidence as a result of defeat.

thoroughly beaten

Highlights the intensity and decisiveness of the defeat.

deeply discouraged

Emphasizes the emotional impact of the defeat, leading to a loss of hope.

roundly defeated

Suggests a comprehensive and unambiguous defeat, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

soundly trounced

Implies a humiliating and overwhelming defeat.

heavily subdued

Highlights the act of being brought under control through defeat.

gravely disappointed

Focuses on the severe disappointment and letdown experienced after a defeat.

sorely discouraged

Emphasizes the painful and disheartening nature of the defeat.

badly beaten

Indicates a significant and impactful defeat, often in a physical or competitive sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "very defeated" to describe a strong feeling of having lost or been overcome. For example, "After the prolonged negotiations, the team felt "very defeated" and unmotivated to continue the project".

What can I say instead of "very defeated"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly vanquished", "completely demoralized", or "thoroughly beaten" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "very defeated" or "deeply defeated"?

Both "very defeated" and "deeply defeated" are grammatically correct, but "deeply defeated" might sound more formal and emphasize the emotional impact of the defeat.

What's the difference between "very defeated" and "very defeating"?

"Very defeated" describes someone who has experienced defeat and feels disheartened, while "very defeating" describes something that causes a strong feeling of discouragement or failure in others. For example, a series of setbacks can be very defeating.