defeated

American

[dih-fee-tid] / dɪˈfi tɪd /

adjective

relating to or being the loser in a contest, election, battle, etc.; overcome or vanquished.

For several days in succession, fragments of the defeated army straggled through the town.
frustrated, foiled, or thwarted, as plans, dreams, etc..

He could not shake off a feeling of acute disappointment, of defeated hopes.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of defeat.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of defeated

First recorded in 1575–85; defeat ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. ) for the adjective senses; defeat ( def. ) + -ed ¹ ( def. ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After getting three against Algeria, two against Austria and one against Jordan, Lionel Messi added another as Argentina defeated Cape Verde in the World Cup last 32.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2026

The critics noted that voters have defeated every attempt to eliminate the elected state superintendent.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

We should take pride in the generations of Americans who fought tyranny, defeated Nazism and fascism, defended democracy, welcomed millions and answered the call to help nations facing war, disaster and oppression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

That mood was also visible in Colorado's competitive 8th District, where progressive state Representative Manny Rutinel defeated a more moderate rival for the Democratic nomination to face vulnerable Republican Representative Gabe Evans.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

Working his way hurriedly through the alleys, circles, roundabouts, and barriers, he found himself trapped in a dead end, deadlocked and defeated.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023