a lost decade

USAGE SUMMARY

"a lost decade" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time during which a particular country or region has experienced economic decline or stagnation. For example: "Many of the country's citizens have suffered greatly during this lost decade of economic decline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why has this been a lost decade?

The New York Times

A lost decade – and then some – beckons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Latin America suffered a lost decade.

The Guardian - Business

Truly a lost decade for living standards.

The Guardian

That is a far cry from a lost decade.

The New York Times

Again, that's a far cry from a lost decade.

The New York Times

Mr Carney will be associated with a lost decade.

The Economist

The 2000s, they argue, was a lost decade.

The New York Times

How can the eurozone escape a lost decade?

The Guardian - Business

Britain is facing a lost decade in my view.

The Guardian - Business

This isn't a lost decade for economic gains for Americans.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lost decade", clearly define the context and the specific area (e.g., economy, technology, social progress) that experienced decline or stagnation during that time.

Common error

Avoid using "a lost decade" without specifying which decade you're referring to, as this can create confusion. Always provide clear temporal markers or context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lost decade" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples show it describing periods of economic or social decline.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lost decade" is a noun phrase used to describe a period of ten years characterized by decline, stagnation, or lack of progress. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific context and clarity regarding the area experiencing the 'loss'. Alternatives like "a period of stagnation" or "an unproductive decade" can be used to convey a similar meaning. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decade of stagnation

Directly parallels "a lost decade", using 'stagnation' as the key characteristic.

a period of stagnation

Emphasizes the lack of growth or progress during a specific time.

a time of decline

Highlights the downturn or regression experienced during the decade.

a period of economic downturn

Specifically refers to a decline in economic activity.

an era of regression

Focuses on the backward movement or deterioration during the specified time.

a decade of setbacks

Highlights the obstacles and failures encountered during the period.

a fruitless decade

Implies a lack of positive outcomes or achievements.

a decade of missed opportunities

Focuses on the chances that were not taken or realized.

an unproductive decade

Emphasizes the lack of output or results.

a time of hardship

Highlights the difficulties and suffering experienced during the era.

FAQs

What does the expression "a lost decade" mean?

The phrase "a lost decade" generally refers to a period of ten years characterized by stagnation, decline, or lack of progress in a particular area, such as economic growth or social development.

How can I use "a lost decade" in a sentence?

You might say, "The country experienced "a lost decade" due to political instability and economic mismanagement".

What are some alternative phrases to "a lost decade"?

You can use alternatives like "a period of stagnation", "a time of decline", or "an unproductive decade" depending on the context.

Is "a lost decade" an objective or subjective assessment?

While the phrase is widely used, whether a period constitutes "a lost decade" can be subjective and depend on the specific metrics and perspectives considered. It's often used to highlight perceived failures in retrospect.