a bad loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bad loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a defeat that is particularly disappointing or significant, often in a sports context. Example: "The team suffered a bad loss last night, which has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's a bad loss".

The New York Times - Sports

It's not a bad loss".

The New York Times - Sports

"Roger Williams was a bad loss for us," she said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Any loss for us is a bad loss.

The New York Times

"It's a bad loss, there's no doubt about it," Manager Joe Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

Just as you cannot call losing to Borg or Connors a bad loss".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's just a bad loss for us," guard Deron Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

On Wednesday, the morning after a shudderingly bad loss, they announced a deal whose impact goes beyond exchanging one disappointing winger for another.

Los Angeles Times

Several weeks earlier, Alderson was in an entirely different mood after a particularly bad loss.

The New York Times - Sports

Conventional wisdom held that Pacquiao's 2012 knockout had damaged him: part of what makes boxing so compelling, and so exacting, is the way that a single bad loss can be permanently diminishing, physically, in a way that most athletic defeats are not.

The New Yorker

"This was a real bad loss for us.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bad loss" to describe situations where the defeat has significant negative consequences, affecting morale, strategy, or future prospects.

Common error

While acceptable, "a bad loss" might sound informal in highly professional documents. Consider more formal alternatives like "significant setback" or "substantial defeat" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bad loss" functions as a noun phrase, where "bad" modifies the noun "loss". It describes a specific instance of defeat, characterizing it as negative or detrimental. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bad loss" is a commonly used phrase to describe a defeat with significant negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While frequently found in News & Media, it can also appear in academic and business contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in those settings. Key synonyms include "a crushing defeat" and "a significant setback". When using this phrase, consider the context and the potential impact of the loss you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating defeat

This suggests an overwhelming and destructive loss, with long-lasting consequences.

a crushing defeat

This alternative suggests a more overwhelming and demoralizing loss.

a tough defeat

This indicates a challenging loss that was hard to accept or overcome.

a significant setback

This phrase focuses on the negative impact of the loss on progress or goals.

a painful defeat

This option emphasizes the emotional impact and disappointment associated with the loss.

a heavy blow

This alternative highlights the damaging effect of the loss.

an unfortunate defeat

This phrase focuses on the element of bad luck or circumstance surrounding the loss.

a bitter disappointment

This emphasizes the feeling of sadness and frustration caused by the loss.

a major failure

This implies a substantial lack of success, often with wider implications.

a humiliating loss

This alternative emphasizes the shame or embarrassment associated with the defeat.

FAQs

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

You can use "a bad loss" to describe a defeat that is particularly disappointing or significant, often in sports or business contexts. For example: "The team suffered "a bad loss" last night, which has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy".

What can I say instead of "a bad loss"?

You can use alternatives like "a crushing defeat", "a significant setback", or "a painful defeat" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a bad loss" too informal for professional writing?

While generally acceptable, "a bad loss" might be perceived as slightly informal in highly professional settings. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "substantial defeat" or "significant setback" for a more polished tone.

What makes a loss qualify as "a bad loss"?

A loss qualifies as "a bad loss" when it results in significant negative consequences, such as jeopardizing future opportunities, causing substantial financial damage, or severely impacting morale. It's more than just a simple defeat; it's a setback with considerable ramifications.