narrow defeat
/ˈnær.oʊ ˈdɛft/ · nar·row de·feat
noun
- A situation in which a person or team comes close to winning or achieving a goal, but ultimately fails. The team suffered a narrow defeat in the championship game, but vowed to come back stronger next year.
- A close call or near miss, often in a competitive or challenging situation. The hiker experienced a narrow defeat when she slipped on a rock and fell just a few feet from the summit.
idiom
- To experience a narrow defeat, often in a situation where one was expected to succeed. The politician suffered a narrow defeat in the election, despite being the favorite to win.
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Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase 'narrow defeat' is often used in sports to describe a close loss, but it can also be applied to other areas of life, such as business or personal relationships.