Phrase guide

down for the count

adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

adj

Meaning 1

Decisively beaten; defeated; rendered irrelevant for the long term.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, not-comparable

Examples

  • As the company grew, one after another of its smaller competitors ended up down for the count.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

Soundly unconscious, either because asleep or because otherwise knocked out.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, not-comparable

Examples

  • A: Look at him, he's out like a light! B: Yeah, he had a long day! And now he's down for the count.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: out cold

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: out, unconscious, knock out

3

adj

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see down, for, the, count: lying upon the mat of a boxing ring while the referee counts the fighter out.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • Liston was down for the count more than once before rising up to regain command of the fight.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

The figurative senses are extended from the literal one.