a deep loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant emotional impact resulting from the death of a loved one or the end of a meaningful relationship. Example: "After the passing of her grandmother, she felt a deep loss that lingered for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

I felt a deep loss.

The Guardian - Arts

A deep loss after a lifetime of treasured memories.

The New York Times

Or, indeed, a deep loss to the Ryder Cup scene.

The Guardian - Sport

But her self-destruction was a deep loss to listeners.

The New York Times - Arts

Its end is a deep loss to me, and to civil society.

The New Yorker

"For 20 long years of deflation, Japan suffered a deep loss of confidence," Mr. Abe said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Now, though, he implies there was a deeper loss of faith.

The Guardian

The bank earned $5 billion in the most recent quarter, easily beating Wall Street's forecasts, even though it announced that it was taking a deeper loss from a complex trade that went wrong.

The New York Times

Delta Air Lines reported a deeper loss yesterday, reflecting a summer in which passengers -- worried about the shaky economy and inundated with talk of war and terrorism -- failed to return to the skies at the rate executives had hoped for.

The New York Times

The decline of the stock may fuel more of a vicious cycle that sees a deeper loss of talent to other gaming companies or tech startups.

TechCrunch

K-Swiss shares dove in the double digit percentages by midday after the athletic footwear maker suspended its dividend, swung to a fourth-quarter loss and said it expects to post a deeper loss in 2009.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deep loss", consider the specific context to ensure the adjective accurately reflects the magnitude of the loss. Is it emotional, financial, or perhaps a loss of opportunity?

Common error

Avoid using "a deep loss" to describe minor inconveniences or insignificant setbacks. This dilutes the phrase's impact and can appear melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep loss" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes something that has been lost and emphasizes the significance or intensity of that loss. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep loss" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a significant deprivation, whether emotional, financial, or otherwise. Ludwig's analysis reveals it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. The phrase carries a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for serious discussions. While similar phrases exist, such as "a profound loss" or "a great loss", "a deep loss" specifically emphasizes the intensity and emotional impact. Ensure appropriate usage by avoiding overuse in trivial situations, as highlighted by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound sense of loss

Emphasizes the emotional depth and impact of the loss.

a significant bereavement

Focuses specifically on loss due to death.

a grave misfortune

Highlights the serious and unfortunate nature of the loss.

a devastating blow

Highlights the destructive impact of the loss.

a heartrending experience

Focuses on the emotional pain and sorrow.

a painful absence

Highlights the feeling of something missing.

an irreparable setback

Highlights the irreversibility of the loss.

a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the overwhelming feeling of failure or disappointment.

a grievous injury

Emphasizes the harm or damage caused by the loss.

a major disadvantage

Highlights the negative impact on progress or success.

FAQs

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

You can use "a deep loss" to describe a significant emotional or material deprivation. For example, "The community felt "a deep loss" after the library closed" or "His family experienced "a deep loss" with his sudden passing".

What's the difference between "a deep loss" and "a great loss"?

"A deep loss" emphasizes the emotional or profound impact of the loss, while "a great loss" simply indicates the magnitude or size of what was lost. They are similar, but ""a deep loss"" suggests a more personal or emotional connection.

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

You can use alternatives like "a profound loss", "a significant loss", or "a great loss" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a deep loss" in formal writing?

Yes, "a deep loss" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing significant emotional or material losses. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.