Translation guide
How to express visible or figurative signs that someone or something is losing or has lost.
Describe observable indications that a person or team is being defeated.
A natural phrase meaning 'signs of losing' or 'harbingers of defeat'. Used in sports, games, and contests.
You could see signs of defeat in his play.
A somewhat formal or written expression meaning 'the signs of defeat are strong' or 'defeat seems inevitable'. Often used in news or commentary.
The match showed strong signs of defeat.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'defeat is in sight' or 'you can see the loss coming'. Used in casual conversation.
I can already see the signs of defeat.
Express indications that an endeavor, plan, or organization is failing.
A general term for 'signs of failure'. Suitable for business, projects, or personal endeavors.
Signs of failure began to appear in the project.
Literally 'signs of defeat', but can be used figuratively for any kind of loss or failure. Slightly more dramatic than 失敗の兆候.
Specifically 'signs of decline' or 'decay', used for long-term deterioration of power, influence, or health.
Describe non-verbal cues that someone feels defeated.
Describes a drooping, dejected appearance, like slumped shoulders. Common for visible disappointment or defeat.
He hung his head with a look of defeat.
Literally 'drop one's shoulders', a common idiom for showing dejection or defeat.
A more formal description of a dejected or dispirited facial expression.
Both mean 'sign' or 'omen', but 兆し (きざし) is more common and can be used for positive or negative signs. 兆候 (ちょうこう) is slightly more formal and often used in medical or technical contexts (e.g., symptoms). For 'signs of defeat', 兆し is more natural in everyday speech.
Signs of recovery are visible.
Watch for signs of illness.
Signs of defeat began to show in the company.
There were signs of decline in the empire.
The losing team left with their shoulders drooping (in defeat).
His dejected expression told of defeat.