formidable loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formidable loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or overwhelming loss, often in emotional or impactful contexts. Example: "The team faced a formidable loss when their star player was injured just before the championship game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That Von Freytag-Loringhasen has been written out of the story is not only a great injustice, it is also a formidable loss to art history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The party's Senate cushion also remains formidable, though the loss of Mr. Kennedy has for now deprived the majority leader, Harry Reid, of a potential 60th Democratic vote against a filibuster.

The New York Times

The mainstream media has consistently obscured the losses of one side and highlighted them on the other in order to give an impression of equally formidable societies going at it.

Vice

She had a kick blocked in a 38-6 loss to formidable Delaware Valley last Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

Later, I learned that the formidable list of possible side effects included difficulty sleeping, dizziness, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, headache, numbness, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, fever, hives, seizures, agitation, motor or verbal tics and depression.

The New York Times

Frank found himself saying what coaches say after a tough loss to a formidable opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

The Southeastern Conference's West Division is formidable this season, and a loss for either team could make an already tough road tougher.

The New York Times

So far there are nine probable starters for the Belmont, though with the loss of the formidable Fusaichi Pegasus as well as Red Bullet that number may grow, perhaps to as many as 14.

The New York Times - Sports

2. (S) Now absorbing combat losses against a formidable militant enemy, Pakistan's military finally has begun to accept more USG training and assistance in support of counter-insurgency.

The Guardian

This is the first of a three game home stand for Seattle, who'll be hoping to start rebuilding their formidable home reputation after the losses to Toronto and Columbus, while Colorado's recent successful Canadian road forays will give them confidence they can get a get job done back in Cascadia.

The Guardian - Sport

There is now a formidable body of research showing that hearing loss has a huge impact on other health problems including frequent falls, depression, Alzheimer's and even sight loss.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formidable loss" when you want to emphasize the significant impact or severity of a loss, suggesting it presents a considerable challenge or obstacle.

Common error

Avoid using "formidable loss" in casual or informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "big loss" or "significant loss" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formidable loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "formidable" modifies the noun "loss". Ludwig AI confirms its usage to describe a significant or overwhelming loss.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formidable loss" is a phrase used to describe a significantly impactful or severe deprivation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, and analysis of its context reveals its use is most frequent in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, aim to emphasize the challenge or difficulty arising from the loss. While appropriate for formal writing, consider simpler alternatives in casual contexts. Remember, the best use of "formidable loss" is when you truly want to convey the weight and magnitude of what has been lost.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant loss

Emphasizes the importance or magnitude of the loss.

substantial loss

Highlights the considerable amount or degree of the loss.

considerable loss

Similar to substantial, indicating a noteworthy loss.

major setback

Focuses on the negative impact on progress or goals.

severe deprivation

Highlights the hardship resulting from the loss.

devastating blow

Emphasizes the emotional or destructive impact of the loss.

grievous harm

Focuses on the damage or injury caused by the loss.

irreparable damage

Highlights the permanent and unfixable nature of the loss.

huge disadvantage

Focuses on the competitive or strategic impact of the loss.

profound deprivation

Emphasizes the depth and significance of what has been lost.

FAQs

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

You can use "formidable loss" to describe a significant setback or deprivation. For example, "The company faced a "formidable loss" when their main factory burned down".

What are some alternatives to "formidable loss"?

Alternatives include "significant loss", "substantial loss", or "major setback", depending on the specific context.

Is "formidable loss" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "formidable loss" is suitable for formal writing when you want to emphasize the magnitude and impact of the loss. However, assess if a simpler term is more effective depending on the audience and context.

What kind of losses can be described as a "formidable loss"?

A "formidable loss" can describe various types of significant deprivations, such as the loss of a key resource, a major strategic advantage, or a crucial figure in an organization.