a modest loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a modest loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loss that is not significant or severe, often in financial or competitive contexts. Example: "Despite the challenges faced this quarter, the company reported a modest loss, which is manageable given the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Second, that removing €500m of overheads from Popular will mean only a modest loss of customers.

The Guardian - Business

And although still operating at a modest loss, revenue was up 9percentt.

The New York Times

The bank said it "experienced a modest loss" in the last three months of the year.

The New York Times

Since their profit margins are already low, they cannot afford even a modest loss of market share.

The Economist

Their trading and lending arms are struggling, so even a modest loss of business on the advisory side stings.

The New York Times

The company's other units, including security management, collectively appear to break even or run at a modest loss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Before the warning, Wall Street had been expecting a more modest loss of 20 cents a share.

The New York Times

By booking a $7.9 million profit from that sale, Harken was able to report a relatively modest loss of $3.3 million for 1989.

The New York Times

The next year, 2013, saw a comparatively modest loss of just over 100 billion tons.

The Washington Post

A more modest loss could keep Mrs. May in the game, perhaps playing to her well known strengths of persistence and dogged determination, and allowing her to return to hold a second parliamentary vote.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, BMW reported a relatively modest loss for the first quarter, lower than analysts had expected, but it warned that its outlook for the rest of the year was highly unpredictable.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting financial results, use "a modest loss" to convey that the company experienced a loss, but it was not substantial or alarming. This can help reassure investors and stakeholders.

Common error

Avoid using "a modest loss" when the actual loss is significant. Using this phrase for a large financial setback can mislead stakeholders and damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a modest loss" functions as a noun phrase that describes a limited or relatively small negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating it is a standard and acceptable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a modest loss" is a versatile phrase used to describe a small or limited negative outcome. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, where it serves to convey information while downplaying the severity of the setback. When using this phrase, ensure that the loss truly is "modest" to avoid misleading your audience. Alternatives like "a slight decrease" or "a minor setback" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slight decrease

Focuses on the reduction aspect, minimizing the negative connotation associated with "loss".

a minor setback

Highlights the temporary or non-critical nature of the loss.

a small deficit

Emphasizes the shortfall or deficiency, particularly in financial contexts.

a marginal reduction

Indicates that the loss is at the very edge or limit of significance.

a limited decline

Stresses the restricted or contained nature of the downturn.

a contained reduction

Emphasizes that the reduction is controlled and not escalating.

a tempered decrease

Suggests the decrease is moderate and not severe.

a negligible disadvantage

Underscores the insignificance of the loss in terms of creating a disadvantage.

a minimum reduction

Highlights the very small size of the loss.

a trivial impairment

Emphasizes that the loss is insignificant in its effect or consequence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a modest loss" to describe a situation where there is a small or limited reduction, such as "The company reported "a modest loss" this quarter due to increased operating costs."

What are some alternatives to "a modest loss"?

Alternatives to "a modest loss" include "a slight decrease", "a minor setback", or "a small deficit", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a modest loss" when discussing a personal setback?

Yes, it can be appropriate. For example, you might say, "I experienced "a modest loss" in the stock market this year", to indicate the investment didn't perform well, but the impact wasn't devastating.

Which is correct, "a modest loss" or "a small loss"?

Both "a modest loss" and "a small loss" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. Modest might imply slightly more acceptability or manageability of the loss than simply calling it small.