lose strength

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose strength" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a gradual decrease in physical or emotional power or ability. Example: Over time, the muscles in our bodies may begin to lose strength, causing us to feel weaker and less able to perform certain tasks. Another example: As the years passed, the economy continued to struggle and the currency began to lose strength, causing inflation and financial instability.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You lose strength".

The Guardian

Inflation did lose strength in June.

The New York Times

"The most important thing is not to lose strength".

The Guardian

"He watched his brother lose strength and die.

The New Yorker

Those will absorb water, swell and lose strength.

The Washington Post

As we get older, our muscles not only lose strength, but also stiffen up.

Harvard University

Hurricanes frequently gain or lose strength in ways that catch meteorologists by surprise.

The Economist

"We lose strength every day and are starting to get sick," he said in the recording.

The Guardian

They get exposed to infections and develop delirium; they lose strength from days spent in bed.

The New York Times - Health

Over time, tendons become less flexible and the involved muscles lose strength, both of which further stress the tendons.

Harvard University

"When you lose strength in your upper and lower body, odds are your grip strength will suffer too," says Cole.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual decline, consider using "lose strength" to convey a sense of diminishing power or effectiveness over time. For instance, "The storm began to "lose strength" as it moved inland."

Common error

While "lose strength" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise terms like "decrease in tensile strength" or "reduction in efficacy" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose strength" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often used within a clause to describe the process of something becoming weaker or less potent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lose strength" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that describes a decline in power, force, or effectiveness. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and its broad applicability across various contexts, including news, academia, and scientific writing. While its register is generally neutral, being mindful of context and choosing more precise language in formal settings can enhance clarity. Remember to convey a sense of diminishing power or effectiveness over time when using "lose strength".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weaken

This term implies a reduction in power or effectiveness, similar to losing strength.

diminish

Indicates a reduction in size, extent, or importance, akin to a gradual loss of strength.

decline

Suggests a gradual deterioration or decrease, mirroring the concept of losing strength over time.

fade

Implies a gradual loss of brightness, color, or intensity, analogous to losing strength.

deteriorate

Indicates a worsening condition or decline in quality, similar to losing physical or structural strength.

ebb

Suggests a receding or weakening, often used in the context of tides or emotions, but applicable to a loss of strength.

wane

Implies a gradual decrease in power, influence, or intensity, comparable to losing strength.

flag

Suggests a decrease in energy or enthusiasm, like losing the strength to continue.

succumb

This verb means to give way to superior force, is close to being defeated and losing strength.

give way

This phrasal verb suggest collapse and yielding, the effect of losing strength

FAQs

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

You can use "lose strength" to describe a decline in physical power, emotional resilience, or the effectiveness of something. For example, "The old bridge began to "lose strength" after years of neglect" or "The politician's arguments started to "lose strength" as more evidence emerged".

What are some alternatives to "lose strength"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "weaken", "diminish", "decline", or "fade" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "lose strength" or "weaken"?

Both "lose strength" and "weaken" are generally interchangeable, but "lose strength" might be preferred when emphasizing a gradual or measurable decrease, while "weaken" can imply a more sudden or general reduction in power.

What does it mean when someone says something is "losing strength"?

When something is described as "losing strength", it means it is becoming weaker, less effective, or less able to withstand force or pressure. This can apply to physical objects, arguments, or even abstract concepts.