1Defeat; loss; being beaten (e.g., in a game or contest).
昨日の試合は惜しくも負けてしまった。
We unfortunately lost yesterday's match.
試験に負けるつもりはないが、今回は準備不足だった。
I don't intend to lose at tests, but this time I was underprepared.
選挙での負けを受けて党は方針を見直した。
After the defeat in the election, the party reviewed its policies.
2A suffix indicating that something fails to live up to its name, looks, or reputation (as in '名前負け').
この選手は体格に名前負けしていない。実力もある。
This athlete's reputation matches his physique; he's not overrated and has real ability.
彼の経歴は華やかだが、実力は名前負けしているようだ。
His resume is impressive, but his ability seems to fall short of the name.
3A discount or loss in sales; money taken off the price by a seller (letting the buyer have a discount).
この靴はセールで千円負けてもらった。
I got a ¥1,000 discount on these shoes at the sale.
仲良しだから、今回は負けておくよと言って商品を安くしてくれた。
Because we're friends, he said he'll give me a discount this time and sold it cheaper.