defeated
Americanadjective
-
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
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.
They defeated the Pacific Islanders 3-0 in a hard-fought Test series at home three years ago - having previously edged to victory in a dramatic World Cup semi-final in Auckland in 2017.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026
The current dispute between China and Taiwan dates to a civil war between the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek, who retreated to the island in 1949 after being defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters.
From Barron's ● Oct. 10, 2026
Ms. Pillay began her life’s work as an attorney defending opponents of apartheid, but that cruelty was defeated two generations ago.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
A board majority also defeated a proposal to let school communities or a principal decide if an officer should be stationed at a high school — either permanently or temporarily.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
Euwe, a doctor of philosophy in mathematics who had taught at the Amsterdam Lyceum, was a former World Champion, having defeated his predecessor in 1935 with a studied and logical approach to the game.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
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