loses position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loses position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is no longer in a particular place or status, often in competitive or hierarchical situations. Example: "During the final minutes of the game, the team loses position and allows the opposing team to score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nunes loses position and Shevchenko ends up on top to conclude the round.

Los Angeles Times

Margene loses position by getting too obviously hurt by Barb's rejection of her in favor of the Wifey-Come-Lately, which almost makes Barb the winner...... except that in the final scenes, Barb breaks down and confesses how much she needs Ana, and how Nicky and Margene leave her wanting in the friend department.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So I immediately lost position to Jenson.

The New York Times - Sports

When he looks again, he has a losing position.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We're not fighting gay rights anymore — losing position.

The New Yorker

And 30... Kh8 would also have resulted in a losing position after 31 Bf4 Bg4 31 Qh4 Qf6 31 Bg5 Qg5 31 Qg5.

The New York Times

He lost position with his penalty and could no longer attack for the victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, 22... Ne4, jettisoning two pawns in order to castle, led to a lost position.

The New York Times

That was the only time all season they had recovered from a losing position to win.

The Guardian - Sport

But he lost position to Webber as the two cars exited the first corner.

The New York Times - Sports

Rosberg got off to a perfect start, while behind him, Hamilton lost position to Vettel before the first corner.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing competitive situations, ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is losing position relative to. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "loses position" without specifying the area of loss. Vague usage can confuse the reader; always clarify the specific context (e.g., "loses market position", "loses strategic position").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loses position" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a decline or reduction in rank, status, or advantage. Ludwig examples show it in the context of sports, business, and strategic scenarios.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loses position" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered phrase used to describe a decline in rank, status, or advantage, according to Ludwig. While not extremely common, its usage is most frequently found in news and media. To ensure clarity, specifying the context of the loss is crucial. When writing with this expression, avoid vagueness by clearly indicating the area where the subject "loses position". Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in varied scenarios. When alternatives are needed, consider "falls behind" or "drops back".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Falls behind

Focuses on the action of trailing or being at a disadvantage.

Drops back

Emphasizes the physical or metaphorical movement of receding.

Relinquishes lead

Specifically refers to giving up a leading advantage.

Is overtaken

Emphasizes being passed or surpassed by someone or something.

Surrenders place

Highlights the act of yielding a specific rank or spot.

Cedes ground

Implies a gradual loss of advantage or territory.

Is displaced

Focuses on being removed from a previous position or role.

Slides down the ranks

Highlights the deterioration of hierarchical placement.

Declines in status

Focuses on the reduction in standing or importance.

Falls from grace

Implies a significant loss of favor or esteem.

FAQs

How can I use "loses position" in a sentence?

You can use "loses position" to describe someone or something declining in rank, status, or advantage. For example: "The company "loses position" in the market due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to "loses position"?

Alternatives include "falls behind", "drops back", or "relinquishes lead", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "loses its position" instead of "loses position"?

Yes, "loses its position" is grammatically correct and often used to emphasize that something is losing its own specific rank or advantage. The choice depends on whether the possessive pronoun adds necessary clarity.

What's the difference between "loses position" and "losing position"?

"Loses position" is typically used as a statement of fact, whereas "losing position" is often used in a continuous tense or as part of a larger descriptive phrase. For example, "The team is "losing position"" indicates an ongoing process.