lose footing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose footing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the loss of one's balance, momentum, momentum, or progress. Example: The hiker was getting tired and was in danger of slipping down the steep mountainside if she did not regain her footing soon.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you do pass out or even begin to get weak, you could lose footing and be crushed under the rest of the crowd.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In both cases, apparently, a slipped handhold or moment of lost footing was all it took.

The New York Times

But Town's attacks foundered too often on loose crosses or lost footing.

The Guardian - Sport

The story of their lost footing is also the story of something larger — the growing role that education plays in preserving class divisions.

The New York Times

HTC loses footing in the mobile market, corporate jet manufacturers turn to emerging markets and Japan looks underground for alternative energy.

The Economist

We ride the wave of initial excitement into the glide of communion or the crash of lost footing.

Huffington Post

The trio ignored warning signs by climbing a barricade to take a photo, then lost footing on the slippery granite bottom.

Huffington Post

We're losing feet".

The New Yorker

He has to have lost foot speed, but he certainly looks fit enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Storekeepers who rent space on the other side of the Venice boardwalk complain that they are losing customers to the sidewalk sellers, or losing foot traffic altogether.

The New York Times

She nearly lost Foot Petals, the fast-growing shoe cushion firm she'd founded two years before, just as she landed her largest order.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "lose footing", consider the context to determine whether a literal or figurative meaning is more appropriate. For literal instances, ensure the imagery supports the physical environment, while for figurative usages, confirm that the analogy remains consistent with the subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "lose footing" too casually in purely abstract discussions where more precise terms like "lose ground", "waver", or "decline" would better convey the intended meaning. Using more direct expressions can enhance the clarity and impact of your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose footing" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action of losing balance or stability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly expresses the action of faltering or becoming unsteady. Examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lose footing" is a versatile expression used to describe a loss of balance or stability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in both literal and figurative contexts. While "lose footing" is most frequently encountered in news and media, it also appears in wikis and formal business documents. For formal writing, consider more precise synonyms like "become unstable" or "suffer a reversal". Remember that although the examples in Ludwig cover both physical and abstract applications, overusing in the abstract is not recommended and you can achieve a better impact by using other synonymous expressions such as "lose ground".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose balance

Directly states the loss of equilibrium, emphasizing the physical aspect.

stumble

Implies a brief loss of balance while walking or running, emphasizing a physical misstep.

slip

Suggests sliding unintentionally, often due to a wet or smooth surface, highlighting the lack of friction.

fall

Indicates a more significant loss of balance resulting in a downward movement, often implying a more severe consequence.

misstep

Refers to a mistake or error in judgment, broadening the context from physical to metaphorical.

falters

Implies a hesitation or weakening, suggesting a loss of momentum or confidence.

become unsteady

Indicates a lack of stability, often referring to physical balance but applicable to other situations.

take a tumble

Describes a fall, usually unexpected and potentially humorous or lighthearted.

topple over

Describes a sudden and complete loss of balance, suggesting a forceful fall.

succumb

Implies yielding to pressure or difficulty, resulting in a loss of progress or stability.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose footing" to describe a physical loss of balance, as in "The hiker began to "lose footing" on the slippery slope". It can also be used figuratively to describe a decline in status or progress.

What's a more formal alternative to "lose footing"?

In a formal context, consider using phrases like "become unstable", "experience setbacks", or "suffer a reversal" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "lose footing" only used to describe physical balance?

No, "lose footing" can also be used metaphorically to describe a loss of stability in other areas, such as a project "losing momentum" or a company "facing difficulties".

What is the difference between ""lose footing"" and "slip"?

"Lose footing" generally implies a loss of stability or balance, which might lead to a fall or stumble, while "slip" specifically suggests sliding unintentionally, often due to a slippery surface. Slipping can cause you to lose your footing.