a losing campaign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a losing campaign" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a political campaign or effort that is not expected to succeed or is currently failing. Example: "Despite their best efforts, the team realized they were running a losing campaign and decided to reevaluate their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

(I myself have waged a losing campaign to popularize "chirk").

The New York Times

But even a losing campaign would bring Kasich more firmly into the public eye.

The New York Times - Magazine

But if ever there were a losing campaign that achieved some major wins, it's Sanders'.

The Guardian

"If you didn't follow through all you'd have is a losing campaign with a lot of YouTube hits".

The Guardian

When Everhard finally stops bloviating, London provides a vivid, bleak and bloody account of a losing campaign.

The Guardian - Books

But last week, the divisions and backbiting that are usually the sign of a losing campaign began to show.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He trudges through this unwelcoming terrain with the grim persistence of a soldier making his way home after a lost campaign.

The New York Times

Vang Pao was a charismatic Laotian general who commanded a secret army of his mountain people in a long, losing campaign against Communist insurgents.

The New York Times

Vang Pao, a charismatic Laotian general who commanded a secret army of his mountain people in a long, losing campaign against Communist insurgents, then achieved almost kinglike status as their leader-in-exile in the United States, died Thursday in Clovis, Calif.

The New York Times

Lausche's courtroom popularity encouraged him to make his first political race, an unsuccessful bid for the Ohio House in 1922 and then a second losing campaign for the Ohio Senate two years later.

Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON — If Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was seeking solace from the heartache of a bruising, losing campaign, she came to the right place on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing political strategies, use "a losing campaign" to objectively describe situations where success is unlikely, avoiding overly emotional language.

Common error

Avoid using "a losing campaign" in contexts where a more nuanced or empathetic description is needed. Overuse can lead to the perception of insensitivity or bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a losing campaign" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying the noun "campaign". It serves to characterize the campaign as one that is not succeeding and is likely to fail. Ludwig AI also confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a losing campaign" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an effort, typically political, that is expected to fail. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and applicability, showing the phrase mainly appears in news and media contexts. While versatile, care should be taken to avoid overuse in emotionally charged situations. Alternatives such as ""a failed campaign"" or ""an unsuccessful campaign"" may be more suitable depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use the phrase objectively when assessing strategic prospects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a failed campaign

Replaces "losing" with "failed", emphasizing the lack of success.

an unsuccessful campaign

Uses "unsuccessful" instead of "losing", highlighting the negative outcome.

a doomed campaign

Emphasizes the inevitability of failure with the word "doomed".

a fruitless campaign

Focuses on the lack of results or progress.

a hopeless campaign

Highlights the lack of hope for a positive outcome.

a floundering campaign

Suggests the campaign is struggling and making little progress.

a struggling campaign

Similar to "floundering", indicating difficulties and challenges.

a defeated campaign

Implies the campaign has already been overcome.

a campaign in vain

Highlights the wasted effort and lack of purpose.

a futile campaign

Emphasizes the pointlessness of the campaign.

FAQs

How can I use "a losing campaign" in a sentence?

You can use "a losing campaign" to describe a political or marketing effort that is not succeeding. For instance, "The candidate's low poll numbers suggested they were running "a losing campaign"".

What are some alternatives to "a losing campaign"?

Alternatives include "a failed campaign", "an unsuccessful campaign", or "a doomed campaign". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a losing campaign" in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate to use "a losing campaign" in formal writing, especially in news reports, academic analyses, or business reports discussing strategy and outcomes. However, be mindful of the overall tone and avoid using it in contexts requiring sensitivity.

What differentiates "a losing campaign" from "a challenging campaign"?

"A losing campaign" implies that the effort is failing or highly unlikely to succeed, whereas "a challenging campaign" suggests that the effort faces difficulties but still has potential for success. The former emphasizes the negative outcome, while the latter focuses on the difficulties encountered.