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fight a losing battle

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

  1. To continue to wage war when it is clear that one is not going to win.
    literally
  2. To attempt a task or other endeavor in which there is no chance that it will succeed.
    figuratively, idiomatic

Examples

“The bus was oppressively warm and the air-conditioning was fighting a losing battle with the heat.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

fight a rearguard action fight back fight cocum fight dirty fight down fight fire with fire

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