lose confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone no longer has confidence in something, usually after an unsuccessful experience or outcome. For example: "After failing the test, I began to lose confidence in my ability to pass the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shareholders lose confidence.

The Economist

Don't lose confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

So you lose confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

Or lose confidence?

The Guardian - Music

We shouldn't lose confidence".

The Guardian - Sport

You lose confidence, gain poverty.

The Guardian

"I began to lose confidence.

The Guardian

You start to lose confidence in yourself.

The New York Times

I don't lose confidence out there".

The New York Times - Sports

It's very easy now to lose confidence.

Independent

"I don't lose confidence," Piazza said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lose confidence", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is losing confidence in. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of "lose confidence". Losing confidence in one area doesn't necessarily translate to a complete loss of self-esteem or ability in all areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose confidence" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "lose" is the verb and "confidence" is the noun object. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it expresses the action of diminishing or eliminating one's assurance or belief in something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose confidence" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a decline in assurance or belief. Ludwig AI validates this, showing that it is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context to what is causing the loss of confidence, avoiding over generalizations about the impact. While generally carrying a negative connotation, losing confidence can sometimes prompt reevaluation and self-improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

begin to doubt oneself

Highlights the internal struggle and self-questioning.

have diminishing faith

Implies a reduction in trust or belief in something or someone.

grow skeptical

Emphasizes the development of doubt or disbelief.

become discouraged

Focuses more on the emotional impact of losing confidence.

find yourself wavering

Highlights the state of indecision or uncertainty.

start second-guessing

Focuses on the act of repeatedly questioning decisions.

see your conviction waver

Emphasizes the weakening of belief or certainty.

become apprehensive

Highlights the increasing feeling of anxiety and unease.

succumb to uncertainty

Focuses on being overcome by doubt and lack of assurance.

experience a crisis of faith

Suggests a more profound and impactful loss of confidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose confidence" to describe a decline in assurance or belief in something. For example, "After a series of failures, he began to "lose confidence" in his abilities."

What's the difference between ""lose confidence"" and "lack confidence"?

"Lose confidence" implies a reduction or disappearance of existing confidence, while "lack confidence" indicates a pre-existing absence of it.

What are some synonyms for ""lose confidence""?

Alternatives include "become discouraged", "begin to doubt oneself", or "have diminishing faith", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to ""lose confidence""?

Generally, yes. "Lose confidence" usually implies a negative outcome, but it can sometimes lead to re-evaluation and improvement in the long run.