Knockout vs. Knockdown: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Knockout is a situation where a competitor is unable to rise after a fall. Knockdown is a situation where a competitor falls but can get up.
Key Differences
A knockout is a term often used in combat sports, like boxing, to describe a situation where an opponent is rendered unconscious and unable to continue the fight, whereas a knockdown is when an opponent is knocked to the ground but not necessarily unconscious. In a knockout, the victory is immediate and conclusive, signifying the end of the match, while in a knockdown, the fallen fighter has the opportunity to get up and continue the fight, usually within a specific count.
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Knockouts are seen as a definitive end to a contest, showcasing a clear winner, often through a display of superior strength or technique, while knockdowns, though significant, do not always determine the final outcome of a match and can occur multiple times within a single contest. The occurrence of a knockout is a critical event in a fighter's career, sometimes defining their reputation and ranking, in contrast, a knockdown, while important, might not have as lasting an impact on a fighter's standing or record.
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In terms of safety and medical implications, a knockout is generally more concerning as it involves loss of consciousness and potential head trauma, whereas a knockdown, though still carrying risk, is often less severe with the fighter quickly recovering. The aftermath of a knockout requires immediate medical attention to ensure the health and safety of the fighter, contrasting with a knockdown where the fighter is evaluated but might continue the bout if deemed fit.
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In terms of audience perception and excitement, a knockout is often viewed as a dramatic, definitive climax of a match, capturing the essence of a conclusive victory, whereas a knockdown, while exciting, serves more as a momentary high point in the ongoing narrative of the contest. The knockout is celebrated in sports culture as a symbol of dominance and skill, while a knockdown is recognized as a significant yet not final achievement in a competitor's performance.
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Strategically, achieving a knockout is often the ultimate goal in many striking-based combat sports, seen as a clear demonstration of a fighter's prowess, in contrast, a knockdown is a tactic used to gain an advantage, score points, or shift the momentum of a match. The training and preparation for a knockout involve honing power and precision, whereas for a knockdown, the focus might also include tactics to destabilize or momentarily overwhelm the opponent.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A state of being unable to rise after a fall, often used in sports
A fall from which one can rise, less severe than a knockout
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Severity
More severe, implies finality in a competition
Less severe, implies a temporary setback
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Usage
Beyond sports, implies overwhelming success or attractiveness
Beyond sports, often refers to significant price reductions
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Implication
Often involves loss of consciousness or severe impact
Involves a fall, but not necessarily severe injury
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Metaphorical Use
Describing something stunning or highly effective
Referring to a substantial decrease or devaluation
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Knockout and Knockdown Definitions
Knockout
A stunningly attractive person.
She was a knockout in her red dress at the party.
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Knockdown
A significant reduction in price or value.
They offered a knockdown price for the old furniture.
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Knockout
A situation where a boxer is unable to continue the fight.
The boxer won by a knockout in the third round.
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Knockdown
Overcoming or defeating someone, but less conclusively than a knockout.
The debate ended with a knockdown, but no clear winner.
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Knockout
Something that impresses or overwhelms with its effectiveness.
His presentation was a knockout, impressing all the clients.
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Knockdown
A fall or collapse, especially in sports.
The boxer experienced a knockdown in the second round.
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Knockout
An overwhelming victory or success.
Their new product was a knockout in the market.
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Knockdown
Simplifying or reducing something in complexity.
They made a knockdown version of the complex software for beginners.
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Knockout
A victory in boxing in which one's opponent is unable to rise from the canvas within a specified time after being knocked down or is judged too injured to continue.
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Knockout
The act of winning a boxing match in this way
Won the fight by a knockout.
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Knockdown
Strong enough to knock down or overwhelm; powerful
A knockdown blow.
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Knockdown
Designed to be easily assembled or disassembled
Knockdown furniture.
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Knockout
Capable of knocking someone out
A knockout punch.
Knockout drops put in a drink.
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Knockout
(Genetics) Having a specific single gene inactivated or removed by genetic manipulation
Knockout mice used in an experiment.
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Knockout
The act of making one unconscious, or at least unable to come back on one's feet within a certain period of time; a TKO.
The boxer scored a knockout on his opponent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Knockdown
(genetics) A genetically modified organism that carries one or more genes in its chromosomes that have been made less active or had their expression reduced.
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Knockout
(informal) Something wildly popular, entertaining, or funny.
If you've ever had a sack race, you know it's a real knockout for kids and adults alike.
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Knockdown
(genetics) The use of a reagent such as an oligonucleotide with sequence complementary to an active gene or its mRNA transcript, to interfere with the expression of said gene.
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Knockout
(informal) A very attractive person, especially a beautiful woman.
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Knockdown
(nautical) The condition of a sailboat being pushed abruptly to horizontal, with the mast parallel to the water surface.
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Knockout
A partially punched opening meant for optional later removal.
They left a knockout in the panel for running extra wires someday.
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Knockdown
(soccer) a short pass played downwards, for example from the head onto someone's feet.
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Knockout
(genetics) A creature engineered with a particular gene deactivated.
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Knockdown
A collection of parts required to assemble a product, typically manufactured in one region and exported elsewhere for assembly.
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Knockout
(printing) An event where a foreground color causes a background color not to print.
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Knockout
(sports) A tournament in which a team or player must beat the opponent in order to progress to the next round.
The knockout stages of the competition
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Knockdown
Powerful enough to overwhelm or knock down
A knockdown argument
A knockdown blow
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Knockout
(uncountable) A simple game for two or more players, derived from basketball.
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Knockdown
Reduced in price, originally to a price below which an article would not be sold by the auctioneer
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Knockdown
Capable of being taken apart for packing or removal.
Knockdown furniture
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Knockout
Amazing; gorgeous; beautiful.
You should have seen her knockout eyes.
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Knockdown
(of a rivet head) To be formed into a head by upsetting in fastening.
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Knockout
(genetics) Designating an organism in which a particular gene has been removed or deactivated.
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Knockdown
That which knocks one down; something that overpowers or overwhelms, as strong liquor; specif., a kind of ale or beer that is very strong.
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Knockdown
A knocking down; a felling by a knock, as of a combatant, or of an animal; a blow that overwhelms; also, a fist fight.
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Knockout
Act of knocking out, or state of being knocked out; the act of rendering a person unconscious by a blow.
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Knockdown
Something that knocks down, or takes apart, for packing or removal, as a piece of furniture; also, state of being knocked down, or taken apart.
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Knockdown
Of force sufficient to fell or completely overthrow; as, a knockdown blow; a knockdown argument..
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Knockout
The winning of a boxing contest by rendering the opponent unable to stand for a specified period, usually a count of ten; - in contrast to a win by a decision; as, Muhammed Ali won by a knockout in the first round.
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Knockdown
Designating a rivet end to be formed into a head by upsetting in fastening.
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Knockdown
Of or pertaining to the act of knocking down at an auction; specif., designating the price below which an article will not be disposed by the auctioneer.
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Knockdown
Made or constructed so as to be capable of being knocked down or taken apart, as for transportation.
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Knockout
Very strong or vigorous;
Strong winds
A hard left to the chin
A knockout punch
A severe blow
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Knockdown
(furniture) easily assembled and dismantled;
I bought a knockdown chest at the do-it-yourself store
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Knockout
A decisive defeat or rejection.
Her rebuttal was a knockout, leaving no room for further argument.
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Knockdown
Disassembling something into parts.
The set comes as a knockdown kit, requiring assembly.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is a knockout always physical?
No, it can be metaphorical, like a knockout performance.
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What is a knockout in boxing?
A knockout is when a boxer is unable to stand up before a ten-count.
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Can knockout refer to attractiveness?
Yes, it often describes someone extremely attractive.
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What does a knockout imply in a competition?
It implies a decisive end or victory.
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What is a knockdown in boxing?
A knockdown is when a boxer falls but can get up before the count ends.
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Does knockdown imply a price reduction?
Yes, it can refer to significant price reductions.
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Can knockdown be used metaphorically?
Yes, to describe a decrease or devaluation.
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Can knockout be used outside sports?
Yes, it can describe overwhelming attractiveness or success.
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Can knockdown refer to simplification?
Yes, like simplifying a complex concept.
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Does a knockout always end a match?
In sports, usually yes, but metaphorically it can just imply effectiveness.
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Is a knockdown less severe than a knockout?
Yes, it's usually less severe and allows for recovery.
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How is knockout used in a social context?
Often to describe someone who is stunningly attractive.
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Can knockdown be used in construction?
Yes, referring to disassembling or simplifying structures.
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Can a product be a knockout in the market?
Yes, meaning it's very successful or popular.
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What does a knockout mean in a debate?
A decisive, overwhelming argument or rebuttal.
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What does a knockdown mean in negotiations?
It can mean reducing someone's demands or expectations.
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How does knockdown differ from knockout in severity?
Knockdown is generally less severe and allows for recovery or continuation.
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Is knockout related to physical strength?
In sports, yes, but metaphorically it relates more to impact or effect.
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Can a knockdown lead to a knockout?
In sports, yes, it can progress to a knockout if recovery isn't possible.
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Does knockdown always involve physical falling?
Not necessarily, it can be metaphorical, like a price knockdown.
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Nov 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.