was forfeited

USAGE SUMMARY

"was forfeited" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event in which something was taken away from someone. For example: "The driver's license was forfeited due to multiple violations of traffic laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

About $200 million was forfeited when the preseason was canceled.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Kramnik refused to play the game and was forfeited, shaving his lead to 3-2.

The New York Times

In return for these artistic gains, Shloss says, Lucia's life was forfeited.

The New Yorker

Tremendous exchanges of personal property resulted from such a victory indeed, often life itself was forfeited in important contests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Kronenberg noted that many settlements for workplace injuries were structured so that whatever remains after the recipient's death was forfeited.

The New York Times

Fans attacked the N.H.L. president Clarence Campbell, a tear-gas bomb was thrown, the game was forfeited to Detroit, and a riot broke out outside the rink.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Mueller did not say, however, he was forfeiting any future demand for an interview. .

Huffington Post

Something of you would be forfeited, diminished.

The New York Times

To date, about $160 million has been forfeited.

The New York Times

Some big ambitions must be forfeited somewhere.

The Guardian - Opinion

It cannot be forfeited so easily.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was forfeited" to clearly indicate that something was lost as a consequence of a rule violation, breach of contract, or non-compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "was forfeited" when a simple loss is described. "Forfeited" specifies that the loss resulted from a specific rule, obligation, or wrongdoing. If the loss has no such connection, use "was lost" or another more general phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was forfeited" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject experienced the action of being forfeited, meaning something was lost or surrendered as a penalty or consequence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, showcased by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was forfeited" is a passive verb phrase used to denote the loss of something due to a breach of rules or obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly found in contexts such as news reporting, encyclopedias, and legal documentation. It indicates that something was lost or surrendered as a penalty or consequence, so make sure to use it when that specific meaning is present. Use "was lost" if a general loss is described with no specific connection to rules broken.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was relinquished

Indicates a voluntary surrender or giving up of something, differing from "was forfeited" which implies a loss due to circumstances.

was surrendered

Suggests yielding or giving up something, often under pressure or duress, unlike "was forfeited" which implies a procedural loss.

was seized

Implies a forceful taking or confiscation, whereas "was forfeited" denotes a loss based on rules or consequences.

was confiscated

Indicates an authoritative seizure, often by legal means, differing from "was forfeited" which may not always involve legal action.

was lost

Describes a general loss, which can be due to various reasons, while "was forfeited" specifically points to a loss due to a rule or condition.

was given up

Implies a voluntary act of relinquishing something, whereas "was forfeited" suggests an involuntary loss.

was sacrificed

Suggests a deliberate giving up of something for a greater purpose, differing from the more compulsory nature of "was forfeited".

was yielded

Denotes a giving way or surrendering, differing in implication from "was forfeited", which specifies a loss as a penalty.

was expropriated

Signifies a formal or legal taking of property, particularly by a government, whereas "was forfeited" can occur in broader contexts.

was disclaimed

Implies a rejection or denial of something, contrasting with "was forfeited", which indicates a loss of a right or possession.

FAQs

How do I use "was forfeited" in a sentence?

Use "was forfeited" to indicate that something has been lost as a penalty or consequence for not adhering to rules or obligations. For example, "The prize "was forfeited" due to a rules violation."

What are some alternatives to "was forfeited"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was relinquished", "was surrendered", or "was confiscated" instead of "was forfeited".

Is it correct to say something is 'forfeited' if it was simply lost or misplaced?

No, the term "forfeited" implies that something was lost as a penalty or consequence of breaking a rule or failing to meet an obligation. If something is simply lost or misplaced, it's more appropriate to say it "was lost".

What's the difference between "was forfeited" and "was confiscated"?

"Was forfeited" implies a loss due to a rule violation or breach of contract, whereas "was confiscated" typically suggests that something was taken away by an authority, such as law enforcement. Both involve a loss, but the reason behind the loss differs.