complete loss for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete loss for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a state of being unable to think of or find a suitable response or solution to something. Example: "When asked about the unexpected turn of events, I was at a complete loss for words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Shocked, depressed, at a complete loss for words.

The Guardian

Science was not a complete loss for him.

The New York Times - Sports

The day in Tallahassee was not a complete loss for the Gore camp.

The New York Times

In a telephone interview, Mr. Liao said it was not a complete loss for him or other underground writers, given the publicity.

The New York Times

The wife asked, "How are you?" The husband chimed in, "Yeah, what have you been up to lately?" I am at a complete loss for words.

The New York Times

Obama had come to lobby, too — the White House is packed with Chicagoans for whom the decision was a hard blow — but the trip was not a complete loss for the President.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Taylor Trogdon, a senior scientist at the National Hurricane Center's Storm Surge Unit, tweeted, "I am at a complete and utter loss for words looking at Irma's appearance on satellite imagery".

The New Yorker

I am at a complete and utter loss for words looking at Irma's appearance on satellite imagery.

Huffington Post

Grow a foot taller, or else, is a waste of energy.When compliance is not possible, we can expect to foster anger or resentment or a deep sense of personal failure or a complete loss of respect for us, and for our stupid, impossible demands.

Huffington Post

Thermostability varied from practically 100% activity after incubation at 70°C for one hour for the zygomycete T. indicae-seudaticae to almost complete loss of activity for the ascomycete Thermomyces lanuginosus (Eurotiales, Figure 3).

AMB Express

Despite this conservation, selection for resistance to nearly lethal high temperatures rapidly produced a complete loss of plasticity for resistance to heat stress in independently evolved replicate lines.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complete loss for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being completely lost or what the subject is at a complete loss concerning. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the overall clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "complete loss for" in contexts where the loss is only partial or temporary. Overstating the extent of the loss can weaken your argument and reduce the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete loss for" primarily functions as a descriptor, often indicating a state of being unable to find or produce something necessary, like words or solutions. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete loss for" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a state of deficiency or inability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being lost or what the subject is at a loss concerning. Be mindful of the context and avoid overstating the loss if it's only partial. Alternatives like "utter lack of" or "total absence of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter lack of

This indicates a total absence of something.

total absence of

This emphasizes the complete non-existence of something.

utter inability to

This highlights a complete lack of capacity or skill to do something.

total failure to

This suggests a complete lack of success in achieving something.

absolute lack of

This emphasizes the absoluteness of the absence.

entirely devoid of

This emphasizes the subject is completely lacking of the characteristic.

thorough deprivation of

This stresses that something has been completely removed from the subject.

full privation of

This indicates being completely deprived of something important.

complete destitution of

This refers to the state of being without something considered essential.

consummate deficiency in

This underlines an extreme inadequacy or lack in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "complete loss for" in a sentence?

You can use "complete loss for" to describe a state of being unable to think of or find a suitable response or solution to something. For example: "I am at a "complete loss for" words to describe the disaster."

What are some alternatives to "complete loss for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "utter lack of", "total absence of", or "utter inability to".

Is it correct to say "I am in complete loss for words"?

While understandable, it's more common and grammatically sound to say "I am at a "complete loss for" words." The phrase "at a "complete loss for"" is the idiomatic expression.

What's the difference between "complete loss for" and "partial loss of"?

"Complete loss for" indicates a total absence or inability, while "partial loss of" suggests that something is diminished but not entirely gone. The choice depends on the degree of absence you want to convey.