lose proposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose proposition" is not correct in English; it should be "lost proposition." You can use it when discussing a situation or idea that is no longer viable or has failed.
Example: "Investing in that failing company was a lost proposition from the start."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

So mining for peat and using peat is a "lose, lose, lose" proposition.

The Guardian

If the deals are revenue share, then it's a no lose proposition for Yahoo.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It's a no-lose proposition".

The New York Times

That makes VOD a "lose-lose" proposition.

The Economist

It's a lose-lose-lose proposition".

The New York Times

This is a lose-lose proposition".

The New York Times

Hydrogen car -- A lose-lose proposition.

The New York Times

For the challengers, it may be a win-lose proposition.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a no-lose proposition for them," he said.

The New York Times

Either way, it is a no-lose proposition.

The Guardian

Dirty fighting is a lose-lose proposition for pretty much any couple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "lose proposition". Instead, consider using "losing proposition", "no-win scenario", or other similar alternatives that accurately convey the intended meaning.

Common error

The word "lose" is a verb, while "losing" is an adjective. Saying "lose proposition" is grammatically incorrect because you need an adjective to describe the proposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose proposition" functions as a noun phrase intended to describe a situation or deal. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. The adjective 'losing' should be used instead of the verb 'lose' to properly modify 'proposition'.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose proposition" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect; "losing proposition" is the correct form. This phrase aims to describe a situation likely to lead to failure or disadvantage. Although examples exist, primarily in news and media, it's crucial to use the accurate form "losing proposition" or opt for alternatives like "no-win scenario" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Using correct grammar enhances credibility in both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

losing situation

Replaces 'proposition' with 'situation', focusing on the state of being at a disadvantage.

no-win scenario

Highlights the impossibility of achieving a positive outcome.

unfavorable deal

Focuses on the negative aspects of an agreement or transaction.

unviable option

Indicates that the choice is not feasible or sustainable.

detrimental undertaking

Uses more formal language to describe a harmful venture.

ill-fated plan

Highlights the unfortunate destiny of a proposed course of action.

doomed enterprise

Emphasizes the inevitable failure of the endeavor.

doomed project

Highlights the inevitable failure of a project.

untenable position

Suggests a situation that cannot be maintained or defended.

fruitless endeavor

Highlights the lack of positive results from an effort.

FAQs

Is "lose proposition" grammatically correct?

No, "lose proposition" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "losing proposition". You can also consider alternatives like "no-win scenario" or "detrimental undertaking".

What does "losing proposition" mean?

A "losing proposition" refers to a situation or venture where the outcome is likely to be unfavorable or result in a loss. It implies that the chances of success are slim, and the potential downsides outweigh any possible gains. It can be replaced by alternatives like "losing situation".

What are some alternatives to "lose proposition"?

Instead of "lose proposition", you can use phrases like "losing proposition", "no-win scenario", "detrimental undertaking", or "unfavorable deal". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How can I use "losing proposition" in a sentence?

You can use "losing proposition" in a sentence like this: "Investing in that company now would be a "losing proposition", given their current financial difficulties." Remember to avoid using the grammatically incorrect "lose proposition".