losing battle, a

Idioms  

1. Also, a losing game. A failing effort or activity. For example, He's fighting a losing battle against putting on weight, or We think his candidacy is a losing game. These expressions, alluding to actual unsuccessful battles or games, have been used figuratively since the early 1600s. Also see lost cause.

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Example Sentences

They filed a lawsuit in federal courts contesting these rules changes, a losing battle — a federal judge dismissed the suit in August — given that even the Supreme Court adapted to the pandemic with remote hearings and voting.

From Washington Post

"If I am Assad, I will be worried. There is a consensus of not wanting to do business with Assad, that this is a losing battle," a Western diplomat said.

From Reuters

They probably felt too awkward to ask but, until that changes, disabled people will always be fighting a losing battle - a particular problem with the benefits system in disarray as it is.

From BBC

The documentary looks at some solutions to light pollution, but "darkness seems to be fighting a losing battle," a New York Times review said.

From New York Times