a big loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big loss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant amount of something that has been lost or damaged, either monetarily or in reputation or in a personal sense. Example sentence: The company suffered a big loss after announcing the bad news.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a big loss.

The New York Times

This is a big loss".

The New York Times

He took a big loss.

The New York Times

"It's been a big loss.

The New York Times

This was a big loss".

The New York Times - Sports

But Jim's a big loss".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a big loss for Congress.

The New York Times

So it's definitely a big loss.

The New York Times - Sports

A big loss Sad to see this.

Independent

"It's a big loss," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

And that's a big loss.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a big loss", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lost, and its importance. For example, "The closure of the factory was a big loss to the community."

Common error

Avoid using "a big loss" when the impact is minor or negligible. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big loss" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, employed to denote something of significance that has been taken away or forfeited.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big loss" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates a significant negative impact due to losing something important. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, highlighting its versatility across various contexts. It is frequently found in news and media, formal business communications, and scientific discussions. Related phrases include "significant setback" and "major disadvantage", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. While widely used, it's important to ensure the context warrants the phrase's strength to avoid overstating the significance of the loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant setback

Emphasizes the hindrance or delay caused by the loss.

a major disadvantage

Highlights the unfavorable position resulting from the loss.

a considerable detriment

Focuses on the harm or damage caused.

a substantial deprivation

Stresses the removal of something essential.

a grievous harm

Emphasizes the serious and distressing nature of the loss.

a painful forfeiture

Highlights the act of losing something valuable.

an unfortunate privation

Focuses on the state of being without something needed.

a serious regression

Emphasizes a return to a less developed state because of the loss.

a regrettable forfeiture

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow about something lost.

a stark reduction

Highlights the decrease caused by the loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "a big loss" to describe the negative impact of losing something important. For example, "The team's star player being injured is "a big loss" for their chances of winning."

What are some alternatives to saying "a big loss"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "significant setback", "major disadvantage", or "considerable detriment".

Is it more appropriate to say "a big loss" or "a large loss"?

"A big loss" and "a large loss" are generally interchangeable, but "a big loss" is more commonly used in informal contexts. "A large loss" might be preferred in more formal or technical writing.

What does it mean when someone says something is "a big loss"?

It means that something important or valuable has been lost, resulting in a significant negative impact or disadvantage.