Profound loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Profound loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or deep sense of grief or sorrow, often in the context of losing someone or something important. Example: "The community felt a profound loss after the passing of their beloved leader."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Profound loss of adipose tissue is a hallmark of cancer cachexia.

British Journal of Cancer

What a profound loss.

The New York Times

And it's a profound loss.

The New York Times

This is a profound loss.

The New York Times

Alan's death is a profound loss".

The New York Times

What about cooking? A. Home cooking is the profound loss.

The New York Times

"But he came to the project with a profound loss".

The New York Times

The memorial service central to Yom Kippur evokes profound loss.

The New York Times

This is Julius's third profound loss in recent times.

The Guardian - Books

Being laid off "is a profound loss," Dr. Molitor said.

The New York Times

We are deeply saddened by this profound loss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "profound loss", ensure the context clearly establishes what has been lost, whether it's a person, an ability, or an abstract concept. This adds clarity and emotional weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "profound loss" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial setbacks. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant emotional or physical deprivation, as overuse can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "profound loss" is that of a noun phrase, typically acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. The adjective "profound" modifies the noun "loss", indicating the depth and significance of the loss experienced. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound loss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a deep sense of grief or deprivation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, the phrase is suitable for neutral and formal registers. It’s important to reserve its usage for situations involving significant emotional or physical impact. Alternatives like "deep sense of loss" or "significant bereavement" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to use it thoughtfully to maintain clarity and emotional weight in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Deep sense of loss

Replaces "profound" with "deep", focusing on the intensity of the feeling.

Significant bereavement

Uses a more formal term, "bereavement", to describe the state of grieving after a loss.

Great personal sorrow

Emphasizes the personal and emotional impact of the loss.

Severe deprivation

Focuses on the absence of something important due to the loss.

Overwhelming grief

Highlights the intensity and magnitude of the grief experienced.

Abysmal feeling of bereavement

Replaces "profound" with "abysmal" and adds "feeling of" to increase the intensity and focus on emotional impact.

Tremendous sense of grief

Replaces "profound" with "tremendous" to highlight the immensity of the grief.

Deep-seated sorrow

Implies a deeply rooted and persistent feeling of sadness.

Acute feeling of grief

Replaces "profound" with "acute" to describe the sudden and severe sense of grief.

Extreme sense of deprivation

Replaces "profound" with "extreme" to emphasize the intensity and strong emotional impact related to the loss.

FAQs

How can I use "profound loss" in a sentence?

You can use "profound loss" to describe a significant sense of grief or deprivation. For example, "The community experienced a "profound loss" with the death of their leader" or "The patient suffered a "profound loss" of vision".

What are some alternatives to "profound loss"?

Alternatives include "deep sense of loss", "significant bereavement", or "great personal sorrow", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "profound loss" in a formal setting?

Yes, "profound loss" is appropriate for formal settings, especially when discussing serious or significant events. However, consider the audience and context to ensure the tone aligns with the message.

What kind of loss warrants the description "profound"?

A "profound loss" typically refers to a loss that has a deep and significant impact, whether emotional, physical, or societal. It's used for situations where the consequences are substantial and deeply felt.