lose its edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose its edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has become less effective, sharp, or competitive over time. Example: "After years of innovation, the company's product began to lose its edge in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

There is also the danger that it will lose its edge in manufacturing as it puts more effort into distribution and marketing.

The Economist

It concludes that the U.S. military may lose its edge if it does not become flatter, less bureaucratic, and more decentralized.

Wikipedia

Still, creative director Robert Saville (73), now in his mid-40s, has not let the agency lose its edge and it remains a creative powerhouse in UK advertising.

The Guardian

One of the biggest dangers for Nokia is that it will devote so much energy to taking on Apple, Google and Research In Motion (the maker of the BlackBerry) that it will lose its edge in emerging markets.All is not lost.

The Economist

Asked about the FSA's ability to carry out its role, he said: "When an institution is set up to be a watchdog on a troublesome institution or industry... within a short time it'll lose its edge.

BBC

But that could change if Goldman is seen to lose its edge or if it becomes bogged down in legal distractions.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But over the decades, it lost its edge to France, Russia and, most recently, Japan.

The New York Times - Science

He has always had a fantastic short game but while he was doing that it lost its edge.

BBC

Terror is its foundation, and without fighting, it loses its edge.

Huffington Post

Aite Group reckons the average algo only lasts for three months before it loses its edge and has to be replaced with something snazzier.

Huffington Post

Now it's getting more supporters, it's losing its edge".

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lose its edge", ensure the subject clearly possesses a competitive advantage or unique quality that can be diminished. For example: "The software company began to "lose its edge" due to lack of innovation".

Common error

Avoid using "lose its edge" for situations where something never possessed a competitive advantage or unique quality to begin with. It's more appropriate for describing a decline from a previously held position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose its edge" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to describe the process of something declining from a previous state of advantage or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose its edge" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase describing a decline in effectiveness or competitiveness. While not extremely common, Ludwig's examples show it appears frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives like "decline in prominence" or "diminish in effectiveness" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. Ensure to use it when describing a decline from a previously held position, as using it in situations where something never had an advantage would be incorrect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose effectiveness

Shorter version that focuses on the reduction of the ability to produce a desired result.

become less competitive

Emphasizes a weakening in the ability to compete successfully.

diminish in effectiveness

Highlights a reduction in the ability to produce a desired result.

weaken its position

Describes a reduction in strength or influence.

decline in prominence

Focuses on the reduction of importance or fame.

see its influence wane

Focuses specifically on the decline of power or persuasive ability.

fade in importance

Emphasizes a gradual decline in significance or relevance.

suffer a setback

Indicates a temporary failure or obstacle.

become outdated

Highlights the aspect of becoming obsolete or no longer current.

stagnate

Indicates a lack of progress or development.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "loses its edge"?

When something "loses its edge", it means it has become less effective, sharp, or competitive than it previously was. It suggests a decline from a former state of superiority or advantage.

How to use "lose its edge" in a sentence?

You can say, "The product began to "lose its edge" because of newer alternatives", or "The athlete "lost his edge" after the injury".

What can I say instead of "lose its edge"?

You can use alternatives like "decline in prominence", "diminish in effectiveness", or "become less competitive" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "lose its edge" or "lost its edge"?

The correct form depends on the tense of the sentence. Use "lose its edge" for present or future tenses and "lost its edge" for past tenses. For example: "It will "lose its edge" if it does not adapt" versus "It "lost its edge" because it did not adapt".