Hors de combat

adjective

Not able to fight in a war or competition because of injuries or other problems.

Four of the team's best players were, due to injury, hors de combat.
Visual representation of "hors de combat" - Not able to fight in a war or competition because of injuries or other problems.

Often appears as...

  • temporarily hors de combat
  • render hors de combat

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

adjective

Not able to fight in a war or competition because of injuries or other problems.

Four of the team's best players were, due to injury, hors de combat.
Visual representation of "hors de combat" - Not able to fight in a war or competition because of injuries or other problems.

Often appears as...

  • temporarily hors de combat
  • render hors de combat

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "hors de combat"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Combat Origin

Understand that it originates from warfare, implying being out of action due to injury or damage.

Illustration for Combat Origin
The soldiers were hors de combat after the intense battle.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Beyond Sports

While often sports-related, it's also used to describe any situation where someone is unable to participate.

Illustration for Beyond Sports
After the long day, I was practically hors de combat for the evening party.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Use

It can describe emotional or mental incapacity, not just physical.

Illustration for Emotional Use
Grief left her hors de combat, unable to focus on work.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Combat Origin

Understand that it originates from warfare, implying being out of action due to injury or damage.

Illustration for Combat Origin
The soldiers were hors de combat after the intense battle.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Beyond Sports

While often sports-related, it's also used to describe any situation where someone is unable to participate.

Illustration for Beyond Sports
After the long day, I was practically hors de combat for the evening party.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Use

It can describe emotional or mental incapacity, not just physical.

Illustration for Emotional Use
Grief left her hors de combat, unable to focus on work.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Combat Origin

Understand that it originates from warfare, implying being out of action due to injury or damage.

Illustration for Combat Origin
The soldiers were hors de combat after the intense battle.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Beyond Sports

While often sports-related, it's also used to describe any situation where someone is unable to participate.

Illustration for Beyond Sports
After the long day, I was practically hors de combat for the evening party.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Use

It can describe emotional or mental incapacity, not just physical.

Illustration for Emotional Use
Grief left her hors de combat, unable to focus on work.
Visual representation of the word "Hors de combat"

Never forget "Hors de combat"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top