What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beaten
Example
The team was beaten in the final match of the tournament. [beaten: past participle]
Example
She felt beaten after facing multiple setbacks in her career. [beaten: adjective]
defeated
Example
The army was defeated in the decisive battle. [defeated: past participle]
Example
He felt defeated after failing to achieve his goals. [defeated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Defeated is more commonly used than beaten in everyday language. Defeated is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while beaten is less common and more specific to sports or games.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beaten and defeated?
Both beaten and defeated can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, defeated may carry a slightly more formal tone due to its association with battles or wars.