a staggering loss of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a staggering loss of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or overwhelming decrease in something, often in contexts related to emotions, resources, or statistics. Example: "The community faced a staggering loss of life after the natural disaster struck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

In other words, it's a staggering loss of life.

Harvard University

Satellite measurements showed a staggering loss of 54km3 of groundwater a year.

The Guardian

On Wednesday the UN reported a "staggering" loss of life from US-led coairtion air strikes in Raqqa.

The Guardian

They meticulously tracked 70 teaspoons for five months, observing a staggering loss of 80% and a teaspoon half-life of 81 days.

The Guardian

They approach the topic gingerly, wary of sounding callous, aware that the geology they admire has just caused a staggering loss of life.

The New York Times - Science

The National Association of Manufacturers said the law had been widely abused and had caused "a staggering loss of work hours" as employees took unscheduled, intermittent time off for health conditions that could not be verified.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

And that just shy of a third of the world's farmland produces food that is never consumed, a staggering loss not only of nutritional potential, but also of natural resources.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Monaghan sold almost all of his Wright collection, some of it at a staggering loss.

The New Yorker

Voters sent a clear message of support for their state's leading elected official, and for a good reason: the staggering loss of workers and the associated adjusted gross income (AGI) to no-income-tax states.

Forbes

Last year, United lost $651 million, a relative improvement from its staggering loss of $5.4 billion in 2008, at a time when oil prices surged.

The New York Times

It's no secret that embattled MySpace is working on a complete redesign of its site in hopes of reversing the staggering loss of users and traffic over the last couple of years.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When quantifying, use precise numbers or figures to highlight the magnitude of the loss, for example, "a staggering loss of $5 billion".

Common error

Avoid using "a staggering loss of" for small or insignificant reductions. The word "staggering" implies a shocking or overwhelming degree of loss. Reserve it for truly substantial impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a staggering loss of" functions as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize the magnitude and impact of a loss. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a staggering loss of" is a phrase used to describe a significant and often shocking reduction or deprivation. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the loss is indeed substantial and that the tone aligns with the severity of the situation. While alternatives such as "devastating blow" or "tremendous waste" exist, "a staggering loss of" effectively communicates the overwhelming nature of the impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a calamitous disappearance of

Emphasizes suddenness, disastrous nature, and vanishing aspect of the loss.

a devastating blow to

Emphasizes the damaging impact of the loss.

a catastrophic reduction in

Stresses the disastrous scale and impact of the decrease.

a tremendous waste of

Highlights the futility and regrettable nature of the loss.

a sweeping eradication of

Focuses on the thorough and complete removal or destruction.

a significant depletion of

Focuses on the reduction in quantity or resources.

an enormous drain on

Highlights the depletion aspect and its burdensome effect.

a massive forfeiture of

Emphasizes the act of losing or giving up something important.

a substantial reduction of

Indicates a considerable decrease but lacks the emotional impact of "staggering".

a marked decline in

Highlights a noticeable decrease but may not convey the same magnitude.

FAQs

How can I use "a staggering loss of" in a sentence?

Use "a staggering loss of" to describe a shockingly large decrease or deprivation. For example, "The company reported "a staggering loss of profits" this quarter".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "a staggering loss of"?

If you want to convey a significant but not overwhelming decrease, consider phrases like "substantial reduction in" or "significant decline in".

When is it appropriate to use "a staggering loss of life"?

Use "a staggering loss of life" when referring to a shockingly high number of deaths, typically in the context of disasters, conflicts, or epidemics. It emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

Is "a staggering loss of" always negative?

Yes, "a staggering loss of" typically has negative connotations, as it describes a significant deprivation or reduction. However, the context determines the specific impact and implications of the loss.