Undefeated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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undefeated

[ʌn.dɪˈfiː.tɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sports, competition

The term 'undefeated' refers to an individual or team that has not lost any competition or match. This status is often celebrated in sports where record-keeping is important. Being undefeated can signify dominance or exceptional performance over rivals. It can also carry a sense of pride and achievement, as it reflects consistent success and resilience during competitions.

Synonyms

invincible, unbeaten, unconquered.

Examples of usage

  • The team ended the season undefeated.
  • She remained undefeated in her matches.
  • His undefeated streak is a testament to his skills.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • Teams or athletes marked as undefeated in a season often gain a legendary status and are celebrated in sports history.
  • In professional sports, an undefeated season is rare and often becomes the talk of the league, for instance, the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
  • The concept of being undefeated can inspire athletes and teams to strive for excellence and maintain their focus throughout competitions.

Psychology

  • Being undefeated can boost self-esteem, as it associates one's identity with success and achievement.
  • The fear of defeat can lead to anxiety in athletes, motivating them to develop resilience and strategies to cope with high-stakes situations.
  • Studies suggest that individuals who maintain a positive self-image, like feeling undefeated, are more likely to persevere through challenges.

Literature

  • Underdog stories often feature characters who rise to become undefeated against the odds, showcasing the triumph of the human spirit.
  • Works of literature frequently explore themes of undefeated spirits, such as in many heroic epics, highlighting the journey against adversity.
  • Famous characters in stories, movies, and myths are celebrated for being undefeated not only in competitions but also in their moral journeys.

Pop Culture

  • In music, songs often celebrate undefeated themes, promoting resilience and triumph over challenges, influencing a range of genres.
  • Hollywood blockbuster movies frequently depict protagonists who remain undefeated, reinforcing the narrative of good triumphing over evil.
  • Video games often feature undefeated characters or player avatars that players aspire to achieve, tying into feelings of empowerment and victory.

Origin of 'undefeated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'un-', meaning 'not', with 'defeated', which comes from the Latin 'deficere', meaning 'to fail'.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, primarily related to sports and competition.
  • The prefix 'un-' is used to create an opposite, which helps in understanding many words indicating negation, such as 'unhappy' or 'unseen'.

The word 'undefeated' is a compound of 'un-', a prefix meaning 'not', and 'defeated', which derives from the verb 'defeat'. The verb 'defeat' comes from the Old French 'defait', which means 'to make ineffective'. This, in turn, is derived from 'defaire', encompassing the roots from Latin 'defacere', meaning 'to do away with'. The concept of being undefeated has been particularly significant in the realms of sports and warfare, where losing is often associated with failure. Historically, undefeated champions have often become legendary figures, and the term has evolved to symbolize not just a lack of loss, but an iconic status in competition.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,982 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.