admit defeat
idiom
: to admit that one has been defeated
Although she did poorly in the first round, she has refused to admit defeat.
Examples of admit defeat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Now, Lacey is ready to admit defeat and thinks the school might be wise to do the same.
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Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2025
If they are closely contested and the losing side is unwilling to admit defeat, then the bedrock of democracy is broken.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2025
However, Collins knew that Wright would never admit defeat.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Saying otherwise would essentially admit defeat — a deeply unpopular move, especially for Ukrainians living under Russian occupation who hope to be liberated and reunited with their families one day.
—Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for admit defeat
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Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 24 Nov. 2025
If they are closely contested and the losing side is unwilling to admit defeat, then the bedrock of democracy is broken.
—Ryan D. Griffiths, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2025
However, Collins knew that Wright would never admit defeat.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Saying otherwise would essentially admit defeat — a deeply unpopular move, especially for Ukrainians living under Russian occupation who hope to be liberated and reunited with their families one day.
—Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for admit defeat
Cite this Entry
“Admit defeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/admit%20defeat. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
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