a terrible loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"a terrible loss" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something was a great tragedy or misfortune. For example, "The family was devastated by the sudden death of their son; it was a terrible loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A terrible loss.

The New York Times

That would be a terrible loss.

The New York Times

It is a terrible loss.

The New York Times

"It is a terrible loss," he says.

The Guardian

He had suffered a terrible loss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"She's a terrible loss for my generation.

The Guardian

A terrible loss for all of us.

The Guardian

"It's a terrible loss for Istanbul.

The Guardian

"It's a terrible loss," he said.

The New York Times

It was a terrible sight, it was a terrible loss".

Independent

She said: "His death is a terrible loss".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a terrible loss", ensure the context clearly establishes what has been lost and why it is considered significant. This provides clarity and reinforces the emotional impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a terrible loss" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial disappointments. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact and can make your communication seem insincere. Reserve it for genuinely significant situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a terrible loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It typically describes an event or situation that causes significant grief or hardship. Ludwig provides many examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a terrible loss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for expressing deep sorrow or regret over a significant misfortune. As verified by Ludwig, it’s suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, and academia. While versatile, it should be reserved for genuinely impactful situations to avoid diluting its meaning. Alternatives like "a devastating blow" or "a tragic event" can provide nuanced expressions of similar sentiments. Overall, "a terrible loss" remains a potent and appropriate choice when conveying empathy and understanding in the face of genuine hardship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating blow

This alternative emphasizes the impact and shock of the loss.

a crushing blow

This phrase emphasizes the severe impact and overwhelming nature of the loss.

a tragic event

This highlights the sorrow and unfortunate nature of what happened.

a profound sorrow

This emphasizes the deep and lasting emotional impact.

a heartrending tragedy

This emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow.

a calamitous setback

This focuses on the negative consequences and obstruction caused by the loss.

a grievous misfortune

This stresses the unfortunate and painful nature of the loss.

an irreparable setback

This underscores the fact that the loss cannot be fixed or recovered from.

a crushing defeat

This emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed and the finality of the situation.

a bitter disappointment

This alternative emphasizes the unfulfilled expectations and negative outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a terrible loss" to express sadness or regret over something significant that has been lost. For example, "The closure of the local library is "a terrible loss" for the community".

What's the difference between "a terrible loss" and "a great loss"?

While both phrases express sadness over something lost, "a terrible loss" suggests a greater magnitude of impact or emotional distress compared to "a great loss". The choice depends on the degree of severity you wish to convey.

What can I say instead of "a terrible loss" to express sympathy?

Alternatives to express sympathy include "a devastating blow", "a tragic event", or "a profound sorrow", each conveying a slightly different nuance of sadness and empathy.

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

Yes, "a terrible loss" is suitable for formal writing when used to describe a significant misfortune or bereavement. Its formality is appropriate for conveying serious sentiments in professional or academic contexts.