is really losing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is really losing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is experiencing a decline or defeat, often in a casual or emphatic manner. Example: "The team is really losing momentum in the second half of the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Discussion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But who is really losing out here?

The Guardian - Sport

"He is really losing ground, objectively speaking," said Amando Doronila, a political commentator.

The New York Times

"This election will be a test of whether Japan is really losing its dovishness," said Takeshi Sasaki, a politics professor at Gakushuin University in Tokyo.

The New York Times

As Joplin wrote in her diaries: "As it gets closer and more probable, being a star is really losing its meaning.

The Guardian - Music

The critics who once fawned at his feet, and now lampoon Wenger from newspapers or television studios, might pause to question whether the manager is really losing his touch, or whether the changing club structure is giving him the appropriate support to do his job.

The New York Times - Sports

"Abbas is now in a very difficult position, where he is really losing legitimacy among Palestinians under occupation," Baconi told VICE News.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

What is really lost when this happens is the self-invention of a human brain.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now he feels that nothing is really lost - it all exists in memory.

The New Yorker

From a customer's point of view that lost package is really lost".

The New York Times

They are sufficiently different from us that it really requires a willingness on our part to put ourselves back to a time that is really lost".

The New York Times

Make sure that your child is really lost in the woods.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is really losing" to emphasize a significant decline or failure. It is best suited for scenarios where the downward trend is notable and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "really" excessively in writing. Over-reliance on intensifiers like "really" can weaken your message. Consider stronger verbs or more descriptive language to convey the intended degree of decline or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is really losing" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action or process of decline. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in contexts where a person, team, or entity experiences a tangible reduction in status, power, or performance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sports

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is really losing" serves to highlight a significant decline or failure. According to Ludwig AI analysis, it is a grammatically correct and usable expression, commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, overuse of "really" should be avoided to maintain writing strength. Consider synonyms like "is genuinely failing" or "is seriously declining" to add nuance, especially in formal writing. Always use the phrase to emphasize a prominent negative trend rather than a minor setback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is genuinely failing

Emphasizes the authenticity and certainty of the failure.

is seriously declining

Focuses on the severity and progression of the decline.

is truly at a disadvantage

Highlights the unfavorable position someone is in.

is definitely faltering

Indicates a loss of strength or momentum.

is substantially weakening

Emphasizes the significant reduction in power or effectiveness.

is evidently underperforming

Focuses on the noticeable failure to meet expectations.

is demonstrably deteriorating

Highlights the clear and observable decline in condition.

is increasingly disadvantaged

Focuses on the growing inequality and unfavorable circumstances.

is substantially regressing

Emphasizes the setback and return to a previous, less developed state.

is markedly receding

Highlights a noticeable decline or retreat.

FAQs

How can I use "is really losing" in a sentence?

You can use "is really losing" to describe a situation where something is declining or failing. For example, "The company is really losing market share" or "The team is really losing momentum".

What are some alternatives to "is really losing"?

Alternatives include "is genuinely failing", "is seriously declining", or "is truly at a disadvantage". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "is really losing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "is really losing" might be perceived as somewhat informal. In very formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "is substantially weakening" or "is demonstrably deteriorating".

What's the difference between "is losing" and "is really losing"?

Adding "really" intensifies the statement. "Is losing" simply indicates a decline, while "is really losing" emphasizes that the decline is significant and noticeable.