we are outnumbered

USAGE SUMMARY

'we are outnumbered' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you wish to indicate that you (or the group you are part of) are outnumbered in a situation. For example: "We are outnumbered by the other team, so we'll need to call up a few more players if we want to have any chance of winning the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We have to recognize that we are outnumbered".

The New Yorker

"We are outnumbered by those who feel that politics should take precedence over good government".

The New York Times

Devoted runners like me still make it to the park and delight in the briskly luminous setting, but we are outnumbered by the dogs, who, encouraged by their owners, have taken these conditions as an invitation to run wild at all hours, brazenly taking over our turf and leaving their mark - yellow stains defiling otherwise pristine white snow.

The New York Times

Clearly, we are outnumbered at the seminar by employer lawyers.

Huffington Post

While I do believe that talking too much about the lack of diversity and woman-power in Hollywood only helps perpetuate the stereotypes, it's undeniable that we are outnumbered in the movies.

Huffington Post

Like Bruegel's angels we are outnumbered.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Obviously, we were outnumbered".

The New York Times - Sports

"But we're outnumbered here".

The New York Times

No, we're outnumbered and easily mocked".

The New York Times

Shut up, I said, we're outnumbered.

The New Yorker

I went to bed last night thinking we're outnumbered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are outnumbered" to clearly indicate a numerical disadvantage, especially when contrasting group sizes or discussing strategic challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "we are outnumbered" when the issue is not about numbers but about skills, resources, or quality. For instance, don't say "we are outnumbered in talent" if you mean "we are less talented".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are outnumbered" primarily functions as a declarative statement. It conveys information about a numerical disparity. Ludwig provides several examples where the phrase is used to express a feeling of being in a minority, often implying a disadvantage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are outnumbered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a numerical disadvantage. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register. While it often implies a challenge, it can also serve as a catalyst for strategic thinking. It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring the context genuinely relates to numerical disparity rather than other forms of inferiority. Alternatives such as "we are in the minority" or "we lack sufficient personnel" may be suitable in more formal settings or when emphasizing specific aspects of the disadvantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we don't have the numbers

Focuses on the numerical disadvantage.

we are in the minority

Emphasizes being part of a smaller group, differing from "we are outnumbered" which focuses on numerical disadvantage.

we are outmatched

Suggests inferiority in skill or resources, rather than just numbers as in "we are outnumbered".

we are overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered, which can be a consequence of being outnumbered.

we are at a disadvantage

Focuses on the strategic or tactical implications of being in a weaker position.

we are thinly spread

Suggests a lack of concentration of resources, leading to vulnerability.

we lack sufficient personnel

Stresses the inadequacy of staff or workforce.

our forces are insufficient

Highlights the lack of enough resources to complete some action.

we are a drop in the ocean

Emphasizes insignificance compared to the opposition or challenge.

we're fighting a losing battle

Implies that success is impossible due to the overwhelming opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "we are outnumbered" in a sentence?

You can use "we are outnumbered" to indicate a numerical disadvantage, such as "In the debate, we were outnumbered by proponents of the opposing view" or "We are outnumbered, so we need to be strategic".

What is a more formal alternative to "we are outnumbered"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we are in the minority" or "our numbers are insufficient".

Is it always negative to say "we are outnumbered"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a disadvantage, it can also be a call to action or a recognition of the need for a different strategy. Knowing that "we are outnumbered" can motivate innovation and collaboration.

What's the difference between "we are outnumbered" and "we are outmatched"?

"We are outnumbered" refers specifically to numerical disadvantage, while "we are outmatched" implies a deficit in skill, resources, or strength. You might "we are outnumbered" but still win through superior strategy, but if "we are outmatched", the odds are stacked against you in terms of capabilities.