lose morale

USAGE SUMMARY

"lose morale" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are trying to describe someone's waning enthusiasm or courage. For example, "After working for months on the project without any success, the team began to lose morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was the first of four sessions she plans in the regions during the finals, each starting with academy pros – for example, many schools' longing to be given their head – and the cons, such as fears that schools which remain maintained will fall behind and lose morale.

The Guardian

"You lose morale among staff and there's a risk of a talent drain.

BBC

"When you aren't accomplishing anything, you lose morale, and that creates a downward spiral".

BBC

"Using reproductive rights as a bargaining chip was a big setback, and it made him lose morale with a lot of women's rights groups".

Forbes

Although staff did not lose morale, they were at times affected and felt frustrated, sad or depressed, especially when poor patients were left alone by their carers and when patients did not improve despite treatment.

BMC Health Services Research

In a way it could be like an appeal or a forum but you see what happens, if you come and complain, nothing is done, next month you come and complain... people lose morale they even cease to come.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But he insisted Isis was quickly losing morale and ammunition.

The Guardian

"When we saw the way he attacked, we all lost morale.

The Guardian - Sport

They have also taken bases in the suburbs of Sayada Zeinab and Hajar al-Aswad.As the rebels gain in strength, the regime's forces may be losing morale.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the English militia, short of supplies after four months' fruitless waiting, lost morale and were dismissed on September 8. Harold's ships were brought back to the Thames, with many being lost en route.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Anytime that you lose a series of cases — it's not unlike some of the sports teams — when you're losing, morale's tough," said Michael G. Cherkasky, a former executive in the district attorney's office who headed Mr. Vance's transition team.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose morale" to describe situations where enthusiasm, confidence, or motivation decreases, especially due to setbacks, failures, or difficult conditions.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "morale", which refers to the spirit or enthusiasm of a group, with "moral", which relates to principles of right and wrong. Using the wrong word will completely change the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose morale" functions as a verb phrase, where "lose" is the verb and "morale" is the noun acting as the object. It expresses the action of diminishing or decreasing one's enthusiasm or spirit. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lose morale" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a decline in enthusiasm or motivation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and general writing contexts. It's important to avoid confusing "morale" with "moral". Consider alternatives such as "become disheartened" or "experience a decline in motivation" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undergo demoralization

This alternative uses a more formal term for the process of losing morale, implying a systemic or widespread issue.

experience a decline in motivation

This alternative focuses on the reduction of drive and incentive, suggesting a more professional or task-oriented perspective.

find motivation eroding

This alternative emphasizes the gradual breakdown of motivation, like a slow decay.

suffer a loss of spirit

This alternative emphasizes the emotional and psychological impact of losing morale by focusing on the loss of one's inner enthusiasm.

become disheartened

This alternative focuses on the feeling of disappointment and discouragement, indicating a loss of hope or confidence.

see enthusiasm wane

This alternative highlights the gradual fading of enthusiasm, suggesting a slow and subtle process.

experience a fall in spirits

This alternative focuses on the dip in mood and enthusiasm, suggesting a temporary setback.

have one's spirits dampened

This alternative evokes the imagery of something external affecting one's mood and enthusiasm, suggesting a passive experience.

feel one's resolve weaken

This alternative focuses on the reduction of determination and commitment, suggesting a loss of inner strength.

succumb to discouragement

This alternative highlights the act of giving in to negative feelings, implying a loss of resistance to external pressures.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose morale" to describe situations where a group or individual's enthusiasm and motivation decrease. For instance, "The team began to "lose morale" after several project delays."

What are some alternatives to "lose morale"?

Alternatives to "lose morale" include "become disheartened", "experience a decline in motivation", or "see enthusiasm wane", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lose morale" or "lost morale"?

Both phrases are correct depending on the context. "Lose morale" is used when describing the process of morale decreasing, while "lost morale" describes a state where morale has already decreased.

What factors typically cause people to "lose morale"?

Common factors causing people to "lose morale" include repeated failures, lack of recognition, poor leadership, and stressful working conditions.