a slight loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"a slight loss" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe a small decrease in something, such as "The company experienced a slight loss in profits this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The company will sell the boxes at a slight loss.

The New York Times

Both suffered a slight loss in the 1970's.

The New York Times

Among Princeton's peer schools, endowment returns ranged from 8percentt (MIT) to a slight loss (Harvard).

Princeton University

But Colors has not quite proved the point; it operates at a slight loss.

The New York Times

Down below, there was a slight loss of cohesion and a palpable gain in visceral impact.

The New Yorker

Yet while that's a consumer gain, there's a slight loss after that time.

The Guardian - Money

It said it had a slight loss in its automotive operations.

The New York Times

This causes a slight loss in the hull efficiency of the ship.

Ship Design and Performance for Masters and Mates

But the latest figures from China don't show a collapse, only a slight loss of momentum.

Independent

Buying the XV Crosstrek also means a slight loss in fuel economy.

The New York Times

The Los Angeles Times reported a slight loss, on average, on weekdays and Saturdays, and a slight gain on Sundays.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial performance, use "a slight loss" to indicate a small decrease in profits or revenue. Be specific about the period (e.g., "a slight loss this quarter").

Common error

Avoid using "a slight loss" when the decrease is actually substantial. Ensure the adjective "slight" accurately reflects the magnitude of the loss to avoid misleading your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slight loss" functions as a noun phrase, where "slight" is an adjective modifying the noun "loss". It describes the degree or magnitude of the loss. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slight loss" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small reduction or decrease. As Ludwig AI shows, it's used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While sources like the The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ it, it is important to ensure the term "slight" accurately reflects the magnitude of the loss to prevent misinterpretations. Alternative phrasing, like "a small deficit" or "a minor reduction", might be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small deficit

Indicates a minor shortfall, often in financial terms.

a minor reduction

Highlights a small decrease in quantity or size.

a marginal decrease

Emphasizes a minimal decline, close to the limit of significance.

a negligible decline

Suggests the decrease is so small it's hardly worth noting.

a modest reduction

Implies the decrease is within reasonable limits and not drastic.

a minimal setback

Focuses on the idea of a minor hindrance or reverse in progress.

a light reduction

Similar to 'slight', emphasizing the low magnitude of the decrease.

a slim reduction

Indicates a small and often barely noticeable decrease.

a small dip

Suggests a temporary and shallow decrease, often in a graph or chart.

a touch of decline

Conveys a delicate or subtle sense of decreasing.

FAQs

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

You can use "a slight loss" to describe a small decrease in something, such as, "The company experienced "a slight loss" in profits this year."

What are some alternatives to "a slight loss"?

Alternatives include "a small deficit", "a minor reduction", or "a marginal decrease" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a slightly loss" instead of "a slight loss"?

No, "a slightly loss" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "a slight loss", where "slight" is an adjective describing the noun "loss".

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

"A slight loss" indicates a small decrease, whereas "a significant loss" implies a substantial and noteworthy reduction. The choice depends on the size of the loss you are describing.