a major loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or impactful loss in various contexts, such as personal, financial, or emotional situations. Example: "The company faced a major loss after the unexpected market downturn, affecting its overall profitability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a major loss".

The New York Times

This is a major loss.

The New York Times

We would suffer a major loss.

The Guardian

The casino was sold at a major loss in 2011.

The Guardian

"It's a loss, a major loss," Woodson said.

The New York Times - Sports

Several people said his departure was a major loss.

The New York Times - Tech

Dr. Bernard's passing is a major loss to our community.

The New York Times

The downside is that Cablevision risks a major loss of subscribers to satellite service.

The New York Times - Sports

So did my friends, especially those who had not yet suffered a major loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

COLLINSWORTH: This would be a major loss — Lewis ties their defense together.

The New Yorker

Their readings confirmed a major loss of ozone in the remote region.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major loss", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude and impact of the loss. Overusing it can diminish its impact; opt for more specific language when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a major loss" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. Reserve it for situations where the loss has significant and far-reaching consequences to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, denoting something of significant value or importance that has been lost. As Ludwig AI also confirmed, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major loss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a significant deprivation or setback. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, ensure it accurately reflects the magnitude of the loss to avoid exaggeration. Consider alternatives like "a significant setback" or "a substantial deprivation" for nuanced expression. Remember to reserve this strong term for situations with substantial and far-reaching consequences. It is most prevalent in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant setback

Emphasizes the hindering aspect of the loss.

a heavy blow

Conveys the sudden and impactful nature of the loss.

a severe detriment

Stresses the damaging aspect of the loss.

a great detriment

Highlights the damage resulting from the loss.

a substantial deprivation

Highlights the act of being deprived of something important.

a serious privation

Emphasizes the hardship resulting from the loss.

an important forfeiture

Implies the surrendering or losing of something of value.

a considerable disadvantage

Focuses on the resulting unfavorable position due to the loss.

a grave misfortune

Highlights the unfortunate nature and seriousness of the loss.

a critical deficiency

Draws attention to the lack of something essential as a result of the loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major loss" to describe a significant negative event, such as "The company's failure to innovate resulted in "a major loss" of market share".

What are some alternatives to "a major loss"?

Alternatives include "a significant setback", "a substantial deprivation", or "a considerable disadvantage" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a major loss" is suitable for formal writing. However, ensure that the context warrants such a strong term and consider whether a more precise term might be more effective.

What's the difference between "a major loss" and "a minor loss"?

"A major loss" indicates a significant negative impact or consequence, while "a minor loss" refers to something that is lost with little or no significant impact. The choice depends on the scale and effect of the loss.