inconceivable loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"inconceivable loss" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a loss that is so great or unimaginable that it is difficult to comprehend. Example: The family faced an inconceivable loss when they lost their home in the fire. Alternative expressions include "unimaginable loss" and "unthinkable loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Alone, that would not be such an inconceivable loss.

The New York Times - Sports

"We understand this is an inconceivable loss for Pepsi, but Coke's global presence, service and capabilities carried the day," said Sonya Soutus, a Coke spokeswoman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Given the diversity of RNA targets directly bound by TDP-43 (65, 65), it is not inconceivable that loss of nuclear TDP-43 has detrimental effects on neuronal function.

Human Molecular Genetics

It is not inconceivable that loss of Vhl's HIF-independent functions may lead to a significant number of both up- and down-stream transcriptional changes.

BMC Genomics

As a new-found aquaculture pathogen, Spiroplasma eriocheiris, has resulted in inconceivable economic losses in aquaculture.

Fish & Shellfish Immunology

The oil industry had thought that deepwater drilling would offset the production loss, something inconceivable now.

The New York Times

Penn Station was not the first unprotected landmark to be razed in the modern era, but it was the one whose loss seemed inconceivable.

The New York Times

I'd tell you the loss was inconceivable, but I'd been too jaded from seeing it before.

Huffington Post

Nearly 300,000 people lost their lives, hundreds of thousands were injured and the property loss is inconceivable.

Huffington Post

The time delay and packet loss will be quite inconceivable.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

So it's not inconceivable that my gain was literature's loss.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, utilize the phrase to discuss the theoretical absence of essential components (like genes or proteins) that would result in catastrophic functional failure.

Common error

Avoid using "inconceivable loss" for minor setbacks. Since the word literally means 'impossible to imagine', applying it to trivial matters can weaken your prose and come across as insincere or melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inconceivable loss" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "inconceivable" acts as an intensive modifier for the head noun "loss". In various contexts found in Ludwig, it serves to heighten the emotional or technical stakes of a statement, often appearing as the object of a verb or following a linking verb.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inconceivable loss" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote a deficit or tragedy of immense proportions. Whether applied to the emotional fallout of a disaster, a massive financial hit or a critical biological failure, the phrase carries significant weight. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and most at home in high-quality journalism and scientific discourse. When using it, ensure the context warrants such a strong descriptor—if the loss is merely surprising, consider using "unexpected loss" instead. However, for moments that truly defy the imagination, this phrase remains an authoritative choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unimaginable loss

implies the magnitude is beyond what the human mind can visualize

unthinkable loss

suggests a tragedy so deep it is difficult to even contemplate

incomprehensible loss

focuses on the inability to understand or process the scale of the event

devastating loss

shifts the focus to the destructive impact rather than the mental conception

profound loss

a more formal and slightly less hyperbolic way to describe a deep deficit

inestimable loss

implies the loss is too great to be measured or quantified

irretrievable loss

emphasizes that what was lost can never be recovered or replaced

untold loss

suggests a vast amount that has not yet been fully cataloged or described

staggering loss

evokes a physical reaction of shock at the quantity or intensity

unparalleled loss

suggests the loss is unique and has no equal in history or experience

FAQs

How to use "inconceivable loss" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe scale or emotional weight, such as: "The community is mourning an "inconceivable loss" after the historic library burned down." Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase highlights unexpected outcomes or massive tragedies.

What can I say instead of "inconceivable loss"?

Depending on your specific meaning, you might use "unimaginable loss", "unthinkable loss" or "profound loss".

Is "inconceivable loss" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is a standard English phrase consisting of an adjective modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in both professional and creative writing.

What is the difference between "inconceivable loss" and "unlikely loss"?

An "inconceivable loss" refers to something so great or strange it cannot be imagined, whereas an "unlikely loss" simply refers to a deficit that has a low probability of occurring.