How to Say "defeated" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “defeated” is “derrotado” — use 'derrotado' when referring to a clear loss in a competition, game, or military conflict.
Use 'derrotado' when referring to a clear loss in a competition, game, or military conflict.
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Use 'vencido' to describe someone or something that has been overcome or beaten, often after a struggle, such as in a fight or a tough competition.
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Use 'aplastado' to describe a feeling of being utterly exhausted or overwhelmed, as if crushed by a difficult experience.
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Use 'rendido' when the focus is on giving up or surrendering after losing a battle, argument, or contest.
Learn more →deh-rroh-TAH-dohde.roˈta.ðo
Examples
El equipo local fue derrotado por un marcador de 3-0.
The home team was defeated by a score of 3-0.
El ejército enemigo fue derrotado en la batalla final.
The enemy army was defeated in the final battle.
El campeón salió derrotado después de un partido muy difícil.
The champion emerged beaten after a very difficult match.
Matching the Person
Since this word describes a person or thing, it must change to match them. Use 'derrotada' for a female, 'derrotados' for a group of men, and 'derrotadas' for a group of women.
ven-SEE-dohbenˈsiðo
Examples
El campeón se sintió vencido tras el duro combate.
The champion felt defeated after the tough fight.
El boxeador se sentía vencido después del nocaut.
The boxer felt defeated after the knockout.
Aunque la situación era difícil, no se dio por vencido.
Even though the situation was difficult, he didn't give up (didn't declare himself beaten).
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'vencido' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'vencida' (f.), 'vencidos' (m. plural), 'vencidas' (f. plural).
ah-plahs-TAH-dohaplasˈtaðo
Examples
Después de la mudanza, me sentía completamente aplastado.
After the move, I felt completely defeated/crushed.
Después de trabajar doce horas, me siento aplastado.
After working twelve hours, I feel exhausted/crushed.
El equipo volvió aplastado tras la derrota.
The team came back feeling defeated after the loss.
Estoy aplastado por tantas deudas.
I am overwhelmed by so many debts.
Emotional State
When using this for feelings, it almost always follows the verb 'sentirse' (to feel) or 'estar' (to be).
Romantic 'Crush'
Mistake: “Saying 'Tengo un aplastado' to mean you have a romantic crush.”
Correction: In Spanish, 'aplastado' is never used for romance. Use 'me gusta' or 'estoy colado por alguien' instead.
ren-DEE-dohrenˈdi.ðo
Examples
Tras horas de debate, el equipo contrario se dio por rendido.
After hours of debate, the opposing team gave up/surrendered.
El enemigo se dio por rendido.
The enemy gave up.
No me daré por rendido hasta encontrar la solución.
I won't give up until I find the solution.
El equipo se mostró rendido ante la superioridad del rival.
The team looked defeated facing their rival's superiority.
Fixed Expression
The phrase 'darse por rendido' is a fixed block that means 'to give up.' Don't translate it word-for-word as 'to give oneself for defeated.'
Direct translation of 'give up'
Mistake: “Voy a dar arriba.”
Correction: Me doy por rendido. Spanish uses this phrase or the verb 'rendirse' instead of the English phrasal verb 'give up'.
Distinguishing 'derrotado' from 'aplastado'
Learners often confuse 'derrotado' and 'aplastado'. Remember that 'derrotado' specifically refers to losing a competition or battle, while 'aplastado' describes a feeling of extreme exhaustion or being overwhelmed, like after a very difficult task.
Related Translations
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