lose heart

USAGE SUMMARY

'lose heart' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when talking about losing motivation or hope in a certain situation. For example: When I saw the amount of work I had to do, I almost lost heart.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We don't lose heart".

The New York Times

Did you ever lose heart?

The New York Times

"Let us not lose heart.

The Washington Post

There is no reason to lose heart.

Independent

Sometimes, you start to lose heart.

The Washington Post

Most importantly, do not lose heart.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yaxue Cao: Kegui, don't lose heart.

The Guardian

"Don't lose heart," she told Kadirappa.

The New York Times

"We are not going to be deterred or lose heart.

The Washington Post

Above all, they must not lose heart or nerve.

The Economist

"They lose heart and give up but I didn't.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose heart" to express a decline in enthusiasm or motivation due to setbacks or challenges. It's effective in conveying a temporary state of discouragement, rather than complete resignation.

Common error

Avoid using "lose heart" when you mean to express romantic disappointment or heartbreak. "Lose heart" refers to losing courage or motivation, while "broken-hearted" specifically describes emotional distress from a failed relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose heart" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, typically used to describe a temporary emotional state. It indicates a decline in courage, motivation, or hope. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiomatic phrase "lose heart" signifies a decline in motivation, courage, or hope, as validated by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and very common, it appears frequently in news and media, as well as more informal contexts like wiki articles. While it's important not to confuse it with heartbreak, "lose heart" serves as a powerful way to express temporary discouragement, and as such, is used across many registers of speech and writing. Ludwig provides several examples to this effect, reinforcing the reliability and usability of the phrase in various scenarios. In essence, understanding the nuances of "lose heart" allows for more precise and empathetic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become discouraged

Focuses on the emotional impact of losing hope, emphasizing feelings of discouragement.

give up hope

Highlights the act of surrendering one's positive expectations for the future.

despair

Implies a complete loss of hope and can suggest a more intense emotional state.

become disheartened

Similar to 'become discouraged', but emphasizes a loss of spirit or enthusiasm.

lose faith

Suggests a loss of belief or trust in something, whether it's a person, idea, or system.

throw in the towel

An idiomatic expression that implies giving up on a task or endeavor, often due to difficulty or lack of progress.

get demoralized

Focuses on the reduction of morale or confidence, often due to negative experiences.

be defeated

Emphasizes a sense of being overcome by challenges or obstacles.

succumb to despair

Highlights the act of yielding or giving in to feelings of hopelessness.

abandon all hope

Implies a complete relinquishment of any positive expectations or beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose heart" to describe a decline in someone's motivation or enthusiasm. For example, "Don't "lose heart" just because you failed the first time; keep trying!"

What does it mean to "lose heart"?

To "lose heart" means to become discouraged or lose enthusiasm for something. It suggests a temporary decline in motivation due to setbacks or challenges.

What are some alternatives to saying "lose heart"?

Alternatives to "lose heart" include phrases like "become discouraged", "give up hope", or "become disheartened" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lose heart"?

Yes, "lose heart" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic expression in English. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.