incalculable loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incalculable loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a loss that is so great that it cannot be measured or quantified, often in emotional or significant contexts. Example: "The community mourned the incalculable loss of their beloved leader, whose impact could never truly be measured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

For Hamilton, this is an incalculable loss.

The Guardian - Books

Orton's death was an incalculable loss to 20th-century theater.

The New York Times

An incalculable loss in the prime of life.

The New York Times

This is an incalculable loss, not just to fleeting crushes but to civilization.

The New York Times

His death is an incalculable loss, and while he will be sorely missed his impact will never be forgotten.

The New York Times

We extend our embrace to Jamie, Cooper, Anna, and the rest of Loren's family as they absorb this incalculable loss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mistakes in international affairs can lead to incalculable losses in blood and treasure.

The New York Times

Despite their incalculable losses, the vast majority of people shared the tiny amounts of food and money they had.

The Guardian

"How can you laugh about something so terrible?" Most of my students had simply been cooped up for five days, experiencing incalculable losses through the veil of a TV screen.

The New York Times

Because the end of Hitler did not mean the end of Stalin, and because some of the eventual Russian gains were to prove as appalling as the incalculable losses, postwar relief was laced with tension.

The New York Times - Arts

Wars always create new ruins as well as old ones; both Syria's treasure trove of monuments and its unique social chemistry seem likely to be deeply damaged in this conflict — indeed, there are increasing reports of ancient fortresses and temples being vandalized, destroyed, and desecrated across Syria, with incalculable losses to the country's rich archeological patrimony.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incalculable loss" to emphasize the emotional or qualitative impact of a loss that cannot be quantified numerically. For example, "The loss of cultural heritage represents an "incalculable loss" to future generations."

Common error

Don't use "incalculable loss" when a loss can be reasonably estimated. For instance, instead of saying "The company suffered an "incalculable loss" in revenue", provide an estimated monetary figure if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incalculable loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It describes something that has been lost and emphasizes that the extent of the loss is so great that it cannot be accurately measured or quantified. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incalculable loss" is a powerful way to describe a loss so profound it defies measurement. Predominantly used in news, science, and formal business contexts, as supported by Ludwig, it effectively communicates the gravity and significance of a situation. While alternatives like "immeasurable loss" or "unfathomable loss" exist, "incalculable loss" is particularly effective when emphasizing that the consequences extend far beyond simple numerical values. Use it thoughtfully to underscore the emotional or qualitative impact of a loss.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immeasurable loss

Replaces "incalculable" with "immeasurable", focusing on the inability to measure the loss.

unfathomable loss

Substitutes "incalculable" with "unfathomable", highlighting the difficulty in comprehending the depth of the loss.

irreparable damage

Shifts the focus from loss to damage, implying that the harm caused is beyond repair.

grievous harm

Emphasizes the severity and painful nature of the harm inflicted.

colossal waste

Highlights the large scale of resources or opportunities that have been lost.

profound deprivation

Focuses on the lack or absence caused by the loss, emphasizing its depth.

substantial forfeiture

Emphasizes the act of losing something of considerable value.

unquantifiable setback

Replaces "loss" with "setback", framing the event as a hindrance to progress that cannot be easily measured.

tragic deprivation

Underscores the sadness of a crucial element being taken away.

extensive devastation

Emphasizes the widespread damage and destruction caused by the event.

FAQs

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

Use "incalculable loss" to describe a situation where the negative impact is profound but difficult to measure precisely. For example, "The destruction of the rainforest represents an "incalculable loss" to biodiversity".

What are some alternatives to "incalculable loss"?

You can use alternatives like "immeasurable loss", "unfathomable loss", or "irreparable damage" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "incalculable loss" versus "significant loss"?

"Incalculable loss" is suitable when the loss is profound and qualitative, making it hard to assign a specific value, whereas "significant loss" is appropriate when the loss can be quantified or measured to some extent.

Is "incalculable loss" only used for emotional losses, or can it apply to tangible assets?

While often used for emotional or abstract losses, "incalculable loss" can also apply to tangible assets when the value of those assets extends beyond their monetary worth. For instance, the destruction of a historic site represents an "incalculable loss", even if the cost of rebuilding is known.