Spanish Conversation · Level 24
88 words
Spanish word
derrota
Pronunciation
IPA/deˈrota/
Meaning
- feminine noundefeat
Example
La selección sufrió una derrota inesperada.
The national team suffered an unexpected defeat.
More examples
Aceptaron la derrota con deportividad.
They accepted the defeat in a sportsmanlike manner.
Core concept
A scoreboard showing one side far behind while the other side celebrates.
Common phrases
sufrir una derrota
suffer a defeat
encajar una derrota
take a defeat
Similar words
pérdida: Loss of points or the match itself during a contest.
fracaso: Undesired outcome where an attempt or project does not succeed.
revés: Unexpected negative twist that harms prospects or momentum.
paliza: Humiliating, heavy loss inflicted by an opponent scoring far more points.
Definition in Spanish
Pérdida en una competición, combate o conflicto en la que una persona o grupo resulta vencido por otro.
Word origin
It is back-formed from the verb derrotar 'to defeat', with derrota taking the role of the noun for the outcome of being overcome in a contest or struggle.
Usage tips
- In casual speech speakers often say perder un partido for losing a match, while derrota appears in formal descriptions or to emphasize a decisive loss.