colossal loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or overwhelming loss, whether in a financial, emotional, or other context. Example: "The company faced a colossal loss after the market crash, leading to layoffs and restructuring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And the country paid, dearly, including a colossal loss in respect for the rule of law.

The New Yorker

"There's been a colossal loss of confidence in the company," said Windsor.

The Guardian - Business

"But on the other hand, this is a colossal loss to Russian soft power.

The Guardian

He will fear that it would involve such a colossal loss of face that his authority would be irretrievably corroded.

The Guardian - Opinion

The younger Bush's invasion of Iraq in 2003 caused colossal loss of life and inflicted grave damage on America's standing in the region.

The Economist

The colossal loss of face affects Abu Dhabi as well and this has fuelled speculation that Abu Dhabi will inevitably come to Dubai's aid.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The two have racked up colossal losses.

The Economist

TOKYO — In June 1998, a disturbing rumor tore through trading floors in Tokyo: Olympus had suffered colossal losses on derivatives trading, punching a large hole in its balance sheet.

The New York Times

Liu's corrupt tenure had "inflicted colossal losses in the public assets, violating rights and interests of the state and the people," the Xinhua news agency reported.

Independent

The defence also intends to put the spotlight on the events of last January, arguing that SocGen and not Jerome Kerviel was responsible for the bank's colossal losses by liquidating his transactions amid turmoil on the world's markets.

The Guardian - Business

The defence also intends to put the spotlight on the events of last January, arguing that SocGen, not Kerviel, was responsible for the bank's colossal losses, by liquidating his transactions amid turmoil on the world's markets.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of an event, use "colossal loss" to emphasize the magnitude of the negative consequences, whether financial, emotional, or reputational.

Common error

Avoid using "colossal loss" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase is best suited for formal reports, news articles, or academic papers where a serious and significant loss is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal loss" functions as a noun phrase, where "colossal" modifies the noun "loss". It serves to emphasize the extreme magnitude or scale of the loss being described. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "colossal loss" effectively conveys a sense of significant detriment, particularly when used in formal contexts like news reports, business analyses, or scientific publications. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for describing events with substantially negative consequences. While synonyms like "huge loss" or "massive loss" exist, "colossal loss" provides a more impactful and emphatic expression. Therefore, its use should be reserved for situations where the magnitude of the loss warrants such strong language. Ludwig's examples from various sources further illustrate its wide applicability in describing financial, human, or reputational damage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mammoth loss

Replaces "colossal" with another synonym emphasizing immense size, keeping the meaning consistent.

huge setback

Substitutes "loss" with "setback", framing it as a reverse in progress rather than a deprivation.

tremendous failure

Changes "loss" to "failure", highlighting the unsuccessful outcome leading to the loss.

significant detriment

Replaces "colossal loss" with a more formal expression indicating considerable harm or damage.

catastrophic defeat

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of the loss, portraying it as a complete and utter failure.

immense forfeiture

Uses "forfeiture" to specify that something valuable was lost or given up, maintaining the scale with "immense".

substantial deprivation

Focuses on the act of being deprived of something significant, rather than the simple fact of loss.

major disadvantage

Presents the loss as a considerable impediment or drawback affecting future prospects.

serious damage

Shifts from "loss" to tangible "damage", emphasizing physical or impactful consequences.

profound disadvantage

Highlights the deep and far-reaching implications of the disadvantage caused by the loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "colossal loss" to describe a very large or significant loss. For example: "The company faced a "colossal loss" after the market crash." or "The environmental disaster resulted in a "colossal loss" of biodiversity".

What phrases are similar to "colossal loss"?

Alternatives to "colossal loss" include "huge loss", "massive loss", or "tremendous loss". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "colossal loss" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "colossal loss" is more suited for formal writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "big loss" or "huge setback" might be more appropriate.

What distinguishes "colossal loss" from "significant loss"?

"Colossal loss" implies a greater magnitude than "significant loss". "Colossal" suggests the loss is enormous and impactful, whereas "significant" simply means it is noteworthy or important.