a devastating loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a devastating loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or impactful defeat, whether in a personal, emotional, or competitive context. Example: "The team faced a devastating loss in the championship game, leaving the players and fans heartbroken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It will be a devastating loss to the nation and our nation's museums".

The New York Times

Her story begins a decade ago with a devastating loss.

The Washington Post

"This is a devastating loss," he said.

The New York Times

— Joan Didion Such a devastating loss!

The New Yorker

This is a devastating loss to power users.

The New York Times - Tech

John's passing is a devastating loss to us all.

The New York Times

"It was a devastating loss for this program," Morgan said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's just suffered a devastating loss," Tarver said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a devastating loss," Harvard Coach Tommy Amaker said.

The New York Times - Sports

For the city of Baltimore, it's a devastating loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be a devastating loss if it were to disappear.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a devastating loss" when you want to convey a strong sense of sadness, destruction, or irreversible damage. Consider the specific context to ensure the intensity of the phrase aligns with the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a devastating loss" for trivial or insignificant setbacks. Reserve it for genuinely serious and impactful events to maintain its emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a devastating loss" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a noun (loss) with an adjective (devastating), emphasizing the severity of the loss. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Sports

15%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a devastating loss" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a loss that has a significant negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s most frequently found in news and media contexts, and expresses sadness or irreversible damage. When writing, ensure you are using it for events of sufficient magnitude, and be mindful of alternatives such as "a crushing defeat" or "a heartbreaking tragedy" to match the intended intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crushing defeat

Implies a more competitive context, focusing on defeat rather than general loss.

a heartbreaking tragedy

Emphasizes the emotional pain and tragic nature of the loss.

a calamitous setback

Focuses on the negative impact and hindrance caused by the loss.

a catastrophic failure

Highlights the complete and utter failure resulting from the loss.

an irreparable blow

Suggests a loss that cannot be recovered from or fixed.

a grave misfortune

Indicates a serious and unfortunate event.

a severe bereavement

Specifically refers to the loss of a loved one through death.

a terrible adversity

Highlights the hardship and suffering caused by the loss.

an irredeemable failure

Focuses on the permanent and uncorrectable nature of the loss.

a dismal outcome

Emphasizes the negative and gloomy result of the situation.

FAQs

What does "a devastating loss" mean?

The phrase "a devastating loss" refers to a loss that causes great emotional distress, damage, or destruction. It suggests that the loss has a significant and long-lasting negative impact.

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

You can use "a devastating loss" to describe various situations, such as: "The death of her father was "a devastating loss" for the whole family" or "The team's defeat in the final game was "a devastating loss" for their fans".

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

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

Is it appropriate to use "a devastating loss" in a formal setting?

Yes, "a devastating loss" is appropriate for formal settings when describing a serious and impactful event. However, consider your audience and adjust your language to ensure it aligns with the tone and context.