Definition

1. Adjective:
   • To be at a loss for arguments / to be unable to argue back: Describes a state where one has no more logical points to present in a debate or discussion, leading to defeat in reasoning.
   • To be outreasoned / to be defeated in an argument: Indicates that someone has been overcome by another's superior logic or evidence.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Trong cuộc tranh luận, anh ta hoàn toàn đuối lí. (In the debate, he was completely at a loss for arguments.)
  • Cô ấy cảm thấy đuối lí trước những bằng chứng rõ ràng. (She felt outreasoned by the clear evidence.)
  • Đừng để bị đuối lí, hãy chuẩn bị kỹ lưỡng. (Don't let yourself be defeated in the argument; prepare thoroughly.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in formal or serious discussions, debates, or disputes where logical reasoning is paramount. It describes the outcome or state of a person, not the action itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Thua lí (adj): to lose in an argument; to be defeated in reasoning. A close synonym.
  • Anh ấy đã thua lí trong vụ kiện. (He lost in the argument in the lawsuit.)

Synonyms

• Outargued: To be defeated in an argument.
• Outreasoned: To be surpassed in logical reasoning.
• Left without a leg to stand on: To have no valid arguments left.

Related Idioms

• Đuối sức đuối lí: To be exhausted both physically and in argument. This compound emphasizes a state of total depletion.
  • Sau ba giờ tranh cãi, tôi thật sự đuối sức đuối lí. (After three hours of arguing, I was truly exhausted both physically and in argument.)