lose function

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose function" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when referring to something losing its ability to operate or serve its intended purpose. Example: "When the fuse blew, the lights in the room lost function."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Others take longer, get damage and lose function.

The New York Times

However, it has not yet been determined whether hepatocytes lose function before cold ischemia.

Journal of Surgical Research

Human hepatitis viruses exploit multiple hepatocyte pathways during their life cycle; however, primary hepatocytes dramatically lose function and die when cultured as a monolayer in vitro.

Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering

But when Natasha noticed last August that, after three years of being battered by the wind and snow of St . Petersburg the memorial had started to lose function, she raised a repair request with ZEFS.

Vice

In cases of spinal polio, if the affected nerve cells are completely destroyed, paralysis will be permanent; cells that are not destroyed, but lose function temporarily, may recover within four to six weeks after onset.

Wikipedia

MKR beta cells initially adapt well to insulin resistance, but with time lose function leading to hyperglycemia.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Moreover, neurons that are still present may be impaired and functionally unable to compensate for lost function.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

The extensive expansion of snoRNA-encoding genes during mammalian evolution might ensure the presence of a functional copy when a parental gene loses function because of mutation.

BMC Genomics

Transdifferentiation of an individual's own cells into functional differentiated cells to replace an organ's lost function would be a personalized approach to therapeutics.

Molecular Genetics and Metabolism

Therefore, of the 18 V1Ra/V1Rb genes presumed to be functional in the common Mus ancestor, five (~28%) have lost function in one but not the other Mus lineage.

BMC Genomics

The tissue was clearly attempting to recover lost function.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the failure of a component or system, use "lose function" to clearly indicate a loss of operational capability. For instance, "The backup system will lose function if the primary power source fails."

Common error

While both indicate operational problems, "lose function" suggests a complete cessation of a specific ability, whereas "malfunction" implies an impaired or incorrect operation. Use "lose function" when an ability is entirely gone, and "malfunction" when it's still present but not working correctly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose function" primarily functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process by which something's ability to operate or fulfill its intended purpose is diminished or ceases entirely. Ludwig AI validates this usage, and the provided examples confirm its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose function" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that effectively describes the reduction or cessation of an object or system's operational capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and versatility. Its usage spans scientific research, news reporting, and general explanations, with a register ranging from neutral to formal. When writing, remember that "lose function" implies a complete loss of ability, differing from "malfunction" which suggests impaired operation. Therefore, use "lose function" when you want to point out that some subject doesn't retain functionality at all.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease functioning

Focuses on the termination of operation rather than the process of decline.

become non-operational

Emphasizes the state of being inoperative.

stop working

A more general term for ceasing activity.

become defective

Highlights the presence of a flaw causing the loss of function.

malfunction

Implies incorrect or impaired operation.

break down

Suggests a complete failure of operation.

deteriorate in performance

Focuses on the gradual decline in how well something works.

become impaired

Highlights the reduced ability to perform a specific task.

degrade in functionality

Emphasizes a decline in the range of functions available.

become ineffective

Highlights the inability to produce the intended result.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose function" to describe the cessation of a particular ability or capability. For example, "The device may "cease functioning" if it overheats" or "The software will "become non-operational" after the license expires".

What's a good alternative to "lose function"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "cease functioning", "become defective", or "stop working".

What does it mean when something "loses function"?

When something "loses function", it means that it is no longer able to perform its intended task or operate as designed. This could be due to damage, malfunction, or depletion of resources.

Is it better to say "lose function" or "malfunction"?

The choice between "lose function" and "malfunction" depends on the specific situation. "Lose function" implies a complete loss of a specific capability, while "malfunction" suggests that the capability is still present but impaired. For example a faulty component may "malfunction" while an entire system might "cease functioning".