a lost job

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lost job" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a job that has been lost, typically due to layoffs, resignations, or other circumstances that result in unemployment. Example: "After the company downsized, many employees were left with a lost job and uncertain futures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Health, divorce, a lost job.

The New York Times

The letter should cite a specific hardship, like a lost job, illness or reduced income.

The New York Times

Some two-thirds of individual bankruptcies are due to a lost job.

The Economist

A lost job looms larger in the imagination than a deadweight loss.So let me be clear: tariffs are bad.

The Economist

Like the Mauks, Ms. Howell fell into debt as a result of a lost job and a medical emergency.

The New York Times

Since 1980, Americans have filed 106 million initial claims for unemployment benefits, each representing a lost job.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The employer's organisation says there would be nearly a million lost jobs.

The Guardian - Business

For the first time since January, the sector lost jobs, a total of 27,000 in August.

The New York Times

And unions and manufacturers cite the undervalued Chinese currency as a major culprit for lost jobs.

The New York Times

Only a handful of these lost jobs have come back, so far.

The New York Times

My other brother is a builder who has lost jobs, lost work.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a lost job" with related terms to explain clearly specific situations (for example, "a lost job due to company downsizing").

Common error

Avoid phrasing that obscures who or what caused the job loss. Instead of saying "a job was lost", specify "the company lost a job" or "the employee lost a job", for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lost job" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used to refer to the event of someone becoming unemployed. It often indicates a negative event or situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a lost job” is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the event of someone becoming unemployed. As noted by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both general and professional discussions. When using the phrase, consider alternative expressions like "job loss" or "unemployment situation" depending on the desired level of formality. It is important to ensure that context clearly indicates the cause of the job loss, avoiding passive voice constructions that obscure accountability. The phrase effectively humanizes discussions of economic hardship, focusing on the individual impact of unemployment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

job loss

More concise and direct way to express the same concept.

loss of employment

Similar to "job loss" but slightly more formal.

job termination

Neutral term for the end of employment.

unemployment situation

Focuses on the state of being without a job, rather than the event itself.

termination of employment

Formal and legalistic way to describe job loss.

involuntary separation from employment

Highlights the lack of control over the job loss.

being laid off

Specific to job loss due to company downsizing or restructuring.

redundancy

British English term for being laid off.

downsizing impact

Focuses on job losses resulting from corporate restructuring.

dismissal from work

Suggests the job loss may be due to performance or misconduct.

FAQs

What are some common reasons for "a lost job"?

Common reasons include layoffs, company downsizing, termination due to performance issues, or business closures. External economic factors can also contribute to "a lost job".

Which is a more formal term: "a lost job" or "job loss"?

"Job loss" is generally considered slightly more formal than ""a lost job"", though both are acceptable in most contexts. "Termination of employment" is even more formal.

How does "a lost job" typically affect personal finances?

Experiencing ""a lost job"" can lead to financial strain due to loss of income, difficulty paying bills, and potential debt accumulation. It often necessitates budget adjustments and seeking financial assistance.

What should you do immediately after "a lost job"?

Immediately after experiencing ""a lost job"", you should file for unemployment benefits, update your resume, start networking, and assess your financial situation. Consider seeking support from career counseling services.