a significant loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"a significant loss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large amount of something that was lost or gone, such as a financial loss, a major setback, or a great setback. For example, "Last year's pandemic caused a significant loss in the tourism industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a significant loss.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a significant loss".

The New York Times

Or is it a significant loss?

The New York Times

The victory marks a significant loss for Isis.

The Guardian

The new imprint will be a significant loss to Knopf.

The New York Times

"But everyone's life is a significant loss," she added.

The New York Times - Sports

His studio burned, with a significant loss of work.

The New York Times - Arts

"There's been a significant loss of momentum," he said.

The Guardian - Business

It involves a significant loss of human and economic potential".

The New York Times

For SecondMarket, the transition signals a significant loss.

The New York Times

"It's a significant loss, but our goal is still the same," Cashman said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant loss", consider the specific context to ensure the adjective accurately reflects the magnitude of the loss. Tailor your description to emphasize the particular impact, such as financial strain, strategic setback, or emotional distress.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant loss" when the detriment is minor or easily recoverable. Exaggerating the severity can undermine the credibility of your statement and diminish the impact when describing genuinely substantial losses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As shown in the examples Ludwig provides, it identifies something of importance that has been diminished or forfeited. It generally expresses that something is gone, or someone has suffered a set back.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant loss" is a versatile phrase used to describe substantial detriments across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase commonly appears in news, science, and business, highlighting the magnitude and impact of various types of losses. When writing, ensure the loss genuinely warrants the descriptor 'significant' to maintain credibility. By considering the context and impact of the loss, you can effectively use this phrase to convey the severity of the situation. Alternatives such as “a substantial setback” or “a considerable detriment” can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial setback

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the loss, emphasizing the impediment to progress.

a considerable detriment

Highlights the damaging aspect of the loss, emphasizing the harm caused.

a major disadvantage

Emphasizes the unfavorable position resulting from the loss, particularly in competitive situations.

a grievous deprivation

Suggests a severe lack or withholding, highlighting the state of being without something essential.

an important forfeiture

Stresses the act of giving up or surrendering something valuable, often with a sense of regret.

a crucial sacrifice

Highlights the voluntary nature of the loss for a greater purpose, often with connotations of hardship.

a marked impairment

Focuses on the diminished functionality or quality resulting from the loss, often in technical contexts.

a palpable weakening

Emphasizes the visible or noticeable reduction in strength or effectiveness due to the loss.

a striking deficiency

Highlights the notable lack or insufficiency caused by the loss, often in relation to required standards.

a painful privation

Emphasizes the suffering and hardship caused by the loss, often in the context of basic necessities.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant loss" to describe a substantial detriment or deprivation. For example, "The company experienced "a significant loss" in revenue due to the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "a significant loss"?

Alternatives to "a significant loss" include "a substantial setback", "a considerable detriment", or "a major disadvantage", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a significant loss" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe a substantial detriment in business, academic, or journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "a significant loss" and "a minor loss"?

"A significant loss" indicates a substantial and impactful detriment, while "a minor loss" refers to a small and relatively inconsequential detriment. The choice depends on the actual magnitude of the loss being described.