敗退する

• Reading: はいたいする
• Romaji: haitai suru
• Kanji breakdown: 敗 (hai) — lose, be defeated; 退 (tai) — retreat, withdraw
• Pronunciation: /hai.tai.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be eliminated; to lose and be knocked out of a competition or tournament.

A Group 3 (suru) compound verb combining 敗退 (defeat and withdrawal) with する. Used primarily in sports and competitions when a team or individual loses and exits the tournament. Carries a stronger nuance than simply losing — implies being forced out. Common in news and sports reporting.

Examples

1. 日本代表は準決勝で敗退した。 The Japanese national team was eliminated in the semifinals.
2. 優勝候補が初戦で敗退するという波乱があった。 There was an upset when the favorite was eliminated in the first round.
3. 今年も予選で敗退してしまい悔しい。 It's frustrating to be eliminated in the qualifying rounds again this year.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, competitions, tournaments, news

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 敗 (hai, to lose/be defeated) + 退 (tai, to retreat/withdraw). Literally 'to lose and retreat,' describing defeat followed by elimination from competition.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal