lose capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a reduction or loss of skills, functions, or abilities in a particular context. Example: "Due to the software update, the system may lose capability in processing certain file types."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lord West added: "If you spend much less than 2 per cent (of GDP), you lose capability.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Even the Pentagon, no slouch when it comes to outsourcing, was worried that the Ministry of Defence might lose capabilities critical for the support of future missions.

The Economist

"What we have needs to be modernised … we are losing capability and coverage of serious criminals".

The Guardian

He defended the move as technically and politically sound, adding that the group gave no serious discussion to the lost capability.

The New York Times - Science

The American weather satellite program is losing capability because of years of underfinancing and mismanagement, imperiling the ability to predict and monitor major storms.

The New York Times - Science

But heavily redacted excerpts of that report, obtained by the Guardian under a Freedom of Information Act request and published on Thursday, suggest that those harms may be largely hypothetical – an attempt to scare spy-loving legislators with the phantoms of lost capability.

The Guardian - Opinion

More than 600 climate scientists from around the world have signed a letter to the Australian government protesting against the cuts to climate research at the CSIRO, calling for the lost capabilities to be re-housed elsewhere.

The Guardian

An alternative approach is to design for resilience, focusing on adaptation and the ability to recover lost capabilities.

Procedia Computer Science

Participant narratives of lost capabilities were heterogeneous, but widespread.

The Gerontologist

The state starts to lose its capabilities, capacity, knowledge and expertise.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't disagree with the concept of more competition, but there is a second bigger question and that is military capability and losing military capability".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resource allocation, specify what capabilities are at risk of being lost and the potential consequences. This provides a clearer understanding of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "lose capability" without specifying which capability is being lost. Be specific to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose capability" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe a decline or reduction in someone's or something's capacity or ability to perform a specific task or function. Ludwig AI confirms this with its real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose capability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a decline or reduction in one's capacity or ability. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify which capability is being lost to maintain clarity and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "diminish capacity" or "impair functionality" can offer a more formal tone depending on the context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for neutral to professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminish capacity

Focuses on a reduction in the amount something can contain or produce, implying a quantitative loss.

impair functionality

Highlights the compromised operation of a system or feature, suggesting reduced effectiveness.

erode competence

Emphasizes a gradual decline in skill or expertise, often over time.

forfeit skill

Implies the loss of a specific learned ability, potentially due to disuse or circumstance.

compromise efficiency

Highlights the reduction in effectiveness and productivity.

reduce effectiveness

Indicates a decline in the ability to achieve desired outcomes.

weaken potential

Suggests a decrease in the inherent possibility for growth or success.

undermine strength

Implies a gradual weakening of power or resilience.

lessen aptitude

Focuses on a decrease in the natural ability to learn or do something.

degrade performance

Highlights the diminished quality or efficacy of an action or system.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose capability" to describe a decline in skills, functions, or abilities. For example: "Due to budget cuts, the department may "lose capability" in conducting research."

What's a more formal way to say "lose capability"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "diminish capacity", "impair functionality", or "erode competence".

What's the difference between "lose capability" and "lose ability"?

"Lose capability" often implies a more systemic or specialized loss, while "lose ability" is a more general term referring to a loss of general skill or power.

When is it appropriate to use "degrade performance" instead of "lose capability"?

Use "degrade performance" when you want to emphasize a decline in the quality or efficiency of an action or system, rather than a complete loss of a specific capability.