a small loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small loss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which a minor amount of something (money, possessions, etc.) is lost. Example: I was disappointed to have sustained a small loss on the stock market this month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It would be a big payday or a small loss".

The New York Times

"That's a small loss and a huge gain.

The Guardian - Tech

A guarantee of a small loss may sound good right now.

The New York Times

The second idea is to have a capital buffer that can absorb a small loss.

The New York Times

As with many steelmakers, gross operating margins were dire last quarter; a small loss was booked.

The Economist

It expects the three stations to make a small loss next year and "grow profitably beyond this".

The Guardian

Last time around, the restatement turned the reported profit for the first half of 2001 into a small loss.

The New York Times

A predicted near-£500,000 profit in year five is more likely to be a small loss, the report says.

The Guardian

And the company's profits were more than $6 billion, compared to a small loss in the second quarter last year.

The Washington Post

Remove those items and the meager return in the final three months of the year swings to a small loss.

The New York Times

It has seen particularly strong growth in Malaysia and Poland, and rapid expansion (but a small loss) in China.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial results, use "a small loss" to indicate a minor deficit, suggesting stability or potential for future profit.

Common error

Avoid using "a small loss" when the actual impact is substantial. Overstating or downplaying the true extent of the loss can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small loss" functions as a noun phrase often used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a situation where a minor amount of something is lost, particularly in financial or economic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small loss" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor deficit or reduction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in describing financial or economic situations. Its usage is widespread across news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the loss genuinely reflects a minor impact to maintain accuracy. Alternative phrases like "minor setback" or "slight disadvantage" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Be mindful of overstating or downplaying the true extent of the loss to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a minor setback

Emphasizes the temporary and easily overcome nature of the loss.

a modest reduction

Indicates a reduction that is within reasonable or acceptable limits.

a slight disadvantage

Focuses on the competitive aspect of the loss, implying a minimal impact on overall performance.

a marginal reduction

Highlights the small quantity of the reduction, suitable for technical or analytical contexts.

a negligible deficit

Suggests the loss is so small it's practically insignificant.

a minimum sacrifice

Focuses on the aspect of giving something up, but to a small degree.

a limited downside

Frames the loss as the less favorable aspect of a situation with generally positive prospects.

a trivial forfeit

Emphasizes that the loss is inconsequential or of little value.

a featherweight hit

Describes a loss in terms of light or weak impact.

a touch of adversity

Presents a mild form of difficulty, connoting minimal suffering.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small loss" to describe a minor financial deficit, a slight reduction in quantity, or any situation where something is lost but the impact is minimal. For example: "The company reported "a small loss" this quarter due to increased operating costs."

What are some alternatives to saying "a small loss"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "minor setback", "slight disadvantage", or "negligible deficit" to convey a similar meaning. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance, allowing you to fine-tune your message for clarity and impact.

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

Yes, "a small loss" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business or academic contexts. It provides a clear and concise way to describe a minor deficit or reduction without being overly alarming or negative. However, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a minor impact to maintain accuracy and credibility.

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

"A small loss" indicates a minimal negative impact, suggesting that the situation is manageable and not severely detrimental. In contrast, "a major loss" implies a significant negative impact with potentially serious consequences. The choice between the two depends entirely on the scale and severity of the loss you are describing.