lose appetite

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose appetite" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has lost their desire to eat due to a certain event or feeling. Example: After hearing the bad news, he instantly began to lose his appetite.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But banks may lose appetite for government bonds once the cheap central bank loans run out, which may cause interest rates to go back up.

The New York Times

For those who lose appetite from chemical treatment, it can restore the body's desire for fuel.

Huffington Post

They often lose appetite, sleep and weight and are agitated rather than lethargic -- all opposite to the typical symptoms of Winter-SAD.

Huffington Post

Clinically, patients lose appetite and have nausea and diarrhea.

BioMed Research International

Pigs develop high fever, lose appetite and die within two days.

BMC Veterinary Research

Patients are anxious, dread the future, lose responsiveness to the environment, have insomnia, lose appetite, there is a diurnal variation with depression at its worst in the morning.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But he is showing signs of losing appetite for the fight.

The New York Times

Most often, patients speak of losing appetite, experiencing nausea, muscular tension, diffuse headache, fatigue, hangover, change of mood or a congitive disturbance.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

She has lost appetite and lately has lost some weight.

BMC Psychiatry

It is not like before when I had lost appetite and I couldn't eat anything.

BMC Public Health

Symptoms of psychological disorders include headache, lost appetite, weight loss, and insomnia [ 9].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing symptoms of an illness, accurately detail the duration and severity of the appetite loss. For instance, instead of simply stating "He lost his appetite", specify "He has been gradually losing his appetite for the past week, barely eating a few bites at each meal."

Common error

Avoid using "lose appetite" when "lack of appetite" is more appropriate. "Lose appetite" implies a change from having an appetite to not having one, whereas "lack of appetite" suggests a general absence of appetite. If someone has never had a strong appetite, use "lack of appetite" instead of "lose appetite".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose appetite" functions as a verb phrase where "lose" acts as a transitive verb describing the action of no longer possessing an appetite. Ludwig's examples confirm its usage across various contexts to express a reduction or absence of the desire to eat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose appetite" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a reduction or absence of the desire to eat. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and appropriateness across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in news, media, and science. When using the phrase, consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects a change from having an appetite to not having one, as opposed to a general lack of appetite. Related phrases such as "experience appetite loss" or "lack hunger" can provide alternative ways to express this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

experience appetite loss

Focuses on the experience of losing appetite as a sensation.

suffer from anorexia

Indicates a condition characterized by a prolonged loss of appetite.

have a decreased appetite

Highlights a reduction in appetite rather than complete loss.

lack hunger

Emphasizes the absence of the sensation of hunger.

feel no desire to eat

Focuses on the absence of the desire to eat.

have a poor appetite

Describes a consistently weak or diminished appetite.

show disinterest in food

Highlights a behavioral manifestation of reduced appetite.

reject food

Indicates an active refusal of food.

become anorexic

Suggests developing a prolonged and severe loss of appetite.

find food unappealing

Focuses on the change in perception of food.

FAQs

How can I use "lose appetite" in a sentence?

You can use "lose appetite" to describe a situation where someone's desire to eat decreases or disappears, often due to illness, stress, or medication. For example, "She began to "lose appetite" after starting the new medication".

What are some synonyms for "lose appetite"?

Some alternatives to "lose appetite" include "experience appetite loss", "have a decreased appetite", or "lack hunger". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "lose appetite" and "lack of appetite"?

"Lose appetite" implies that someone previously had an appetite and then it diminished or disappeared. "Lack of appetite" suggests that someone generally does not have much of an appetite. It's about change versus a general state.

Is it appropriate to use "lose appetite" in formal writing?

Yes, "lose appetite" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms it is a grammatically correct expression and widely recognized. It is frequently seen in news, scientific, and business sources.