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
Our heroes’ overwhelming repentance and bloodguilt make a fine, sharp contrast with Quaritch, Varang, and the humans’ flagrant brazenness, their constant refusal to admit defeat or express doubt or show mercy or even, frankly, die.
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
Now, Lacey is ready to admit defeat and thinks the school might be wise to do the same.
—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
See All Example Sentences for admit defeat
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
Now, Lacey is ready to admit defeat and thinks the school might be wise to do the same.
—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
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 7 Jan. 2026.
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