Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
fight a losing battle en · VERB
Pronunciation
Meanings
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(literally) To continue to wage war when it is clear that one is not going to win.
-
(figuratively, idiomatic) To attempt a task or other endeavor in which there is no chance that it will succeed.
The bus was oppressively warm and the air-conditioning was fighting a losing battle with the heat.
1984, Lucy Gore, Diary Of A Working Mum, page 18:
Forms
Synonyms
fight a rearguard action