lose support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone, something, or an idea losing support or backing from other people, organizations, etc. Example: The incumbent mayor began to lose support as the election drew closer.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People begin blaming us and we lose support".

The New York Times

"As each day goes by he's going to lose support".

The New York Times

She is sure Mr. Strauss-Kahn will lose support among many voters if he runs.

The New York Times

When the F.S.A. fails to receive aid, he said, it causes them to lose support.

The New York Times

Israel will lose support abroad even when it legitimately defends itself.

The Economist

However, a series of corruption scandals soon caused the PNP to lose support.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"When the public see who is affected, then the government will lose support for this policy.

The Guardian

It did lose support because of its muddled message on austerity.

The Guardian - Opinion

In that case, Mr. Bush may lose support from moderates in both parties.

The New York Times

Some richer countries, such as China and Russia, will lose support.

The Guardian

You have to work harder to credential yourself, and it's easier for women to lose support when negative attacks happen".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual decline in backing, use "lose support" to convey the sense of an ongoing process. For instance, "The policy began to "lose support" after the negative press coverage".

Common error

Avoid using "lose support" when you mean a complete absence of backing. "Lack support" is more appropriate when describing something that never had support in the first place. "The proposal lacked support from the beginning" is different from "The proposal initially had support but began to "lose support" after revisions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose support" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate in a clause. It describes the action of diminishing or forfeiting backing, approval, or assistance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose support" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a decline in backing or approval. According to Ludwig AI, its validity in English writing is confirmed. As evidenced by numerous examples from diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, it's widely used in news and media to report on diminishing popularity or failing endorsements. While it's crucial to differentiate it from "lack support", alternatives like "forfeit backing", "decline in popularity", or "erode confidence" can be employed to add variety or nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forfeit backing

Replaces "lose" with "forfeit," indicating a more deliberate or consequential loss.

decline in popularity

Highlights a reduction in widespread favor or acceptance.

diminish approval

Focuses on the reduction of positive sentiment or endorsement.

suffer waning influence

Focuses on the reduction of persuasive power or authority.

erode confidence

Emphasizes the gradual destruction of trust or belief.

relinquish endorsement

Implies a formal or official withdrawal of support.

alienate followers

Highlights a loss of loyalty and connection with supporters.

sacrifice advocacy

Suggests a loss of active promotion or defense.

forgo assistance

Indicates a voluntary abandonment of aid or help.

meet with disapproval

Shifts the focus to encountering negative sentiment or rejection.

FAQs

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

You can use "lose support" to indicate a decline in backing or approval. For example: "The government began to "lose support" after the controversial decision".

What is a synonym for "lose support"?

Alternatives to "lose support" include phrases like "forfeit backing", "decline in popularity", or "erode confidence".

Is it correct to say "lost of support" instead of "lose support"?

No, "lost of support" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "lose support" (present tense) or "lost support" (past tense).

What's the difference between "lose support" and "lack support"?

"Lose support" implies a decrease in existing support, while "lack support" indicates an absence of support from the beginning. For example, a candidate may "lose support" during a campaign, while a fringe idea might always "lack support".