1. A loss in a competition or contest where the margin between the winner and loser is very small
The team suffered a close defeat in the final game, losing by just one point.
O time sofreu uma derrota apertada no jogo final, perdendo por apenas um ponto.
2. A narrowly lost game, match, or battle
After a close defeat in the semifinals, they vowed to return stronger next year.
Após uma derrota apertada nas semifinais, eles prometeram voltar mais fortes no próximo ano.