losing effort

USAGE SUMMARY

"losing effort" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when referring to something that is not successful or is not likely to succeed. For example: "Despite their best efforts, the team was unable to complete the project and their losing effort was evident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, it was a losing effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Halladay managed a strong score of 72 in his losing effort.

The New York Times

R. A. Dickey (6-4) pitched well again for the Mets in a losing effort.

The New York Times

Nigeria fared better against Argentina and looked dangerous in a losing effort.

The New York Times

B.J. Benik allowed only four hits in a losing effort for Seton Hall 40-166).

The New York Times - Sports

In the snows of New Hampshire in February, there was poignancy to Clinton's losing effort.

The Guardian

Johnson guarded Chamique Holdsclaw, who scored 18 points in the Mystics' losing effort.

The New York Times - Sports

But last night, he played great, scoring 25 points in yet another losing effort.

The New York Times

Tasha Rodgers scored 29 points for the Bears (13-1) in the losing effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Against Buffalo, they gained the most rushing yards in a losing effort since 1944.

The New York Times - Sports

This time, he was able to engage in some deception that helped save a run in the Yankees' losing effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "losing effort", ensure the context clearly highlights the imbalance between the effort exerted and the lack of positive outcome. Use it to underscore the futility or lack of reward in a given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "losing effort" to describe minor setbacks or easily recoverable situations. It's best reserved for scenarios where the endeavor was genuinely significant and the failure had notable consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing effort" functions as a noun phrase that describes an attempt or endeavor which ultimately fails to achieve its intended goal. As Ludwig AI suggests, it conveys the lack of success despite the input of resources or energy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "losing effort" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an attempt or endeavor that ultimately fails. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. Alternatives such as "futile attempt" or "unsuccessful endeavor" can be used to add nuance. When employing "losing effort", focus on situations where a genuine imbalance exists between the effort and the outcome, avoiding its use for minor setbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

futile attempt

This phrase highlights the pointlessness of the attempt, emphasizing that it was doomed from the start.

unsuccessful endeavor

This alternative emphasizes the failure of the undertaking, focusing on the lack of success achieved.

abortive attempt

This implies that the attempt was cut short or failed to fully develop.

vain struggle

This phrase stresses the difficulty and ultimate ineffectiveness of the effort.

fruitless exercise

This suggests that the effort yielded no positive results or benefits.

failed undertaking

This term emphasizes the unsuccessful completion of a project or task.

doomed enterprise

This alternative indicates that the endeavor was destined to fail from its inception.

hopeless case

This signifies that there was very little possibility of success.

non-starter

This implies that the effort never had a chance of succeeding.

lost cause

This suggests the effort is futile and not worth pursuing.

FAQs

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

You can use "losing effort" to describe a situation where someone tried hard but failed. For example, "Despite their best efforts, it was a "losing effort"."

What are some alternatives to "losing effort"?

Alternatives include "futile attempt", "unsuccessful endeavor", or "vain struggle", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "losing effort" formal or informal?

"Losing effort" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is common in news, media, and general conversation.

What's the difference between "losing effort" and "wasted effort"?

"Losing effort" implies that the effort was made with the hope of success but ultimately failed. "Wasted effort", on the other hand, suggests that the effort was misdirected or unnecessary from the beginning.