losing ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing ground" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which something is going backwards, or is losing the progress it has made. Example: Every day, the government's popularity seems to be losing ground among the public, as more citizens blame it for the nation's economic struggles.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

They're losing ground".

The New Yorker

ArcelorMittal denies losing ground.

The New York Times

They are losing ground".

The New York Times

They are losing ground fast.

The New York Times

we're losing ground.

The Washington Post

Conventional radiotherapy is losing ground.

Transfusion and Apheresis Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Stockmarkets lost ground everywhere.

The Economist

Countries like France, Italy and Ireland lost ground.

The New York Times

Most other players lost ground outright.

The New York Times

If he backpedaled, he would lose ground.

The New York Times - Sports

Faith has lost ground to skepticism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "losing ground" to describe situations where there's a measurable decline in progress, influence, or position. For instance, "The company is losing ground in the market share due to increased competition."

Common error

Avoid using "losing ground" to describe a completed, irreversible event. Instead, use it for ongoing processes or trends where further decline is possible. For example, instead of saying "The battle was lost and they were losing ground", say "The battle was lost and they had lost ground."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing ground" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, typically used within a clause to indicate a state of decline or regression. It signifies that something is not maintaining its position and is, in fact, moving backward or diminishing in some way, as Ludwig AI states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "losing ground" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe a decline or regression in progress, position, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability. It's most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for diverse audiences. While alternatives like "falling behind" or "slipping back" exist, "losing ground" effectively communicates a sense of deterioration and is best used to describe ongoing situations rather than completed events. Therefore, understand when a situation calls for this term and its alternatives for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

falling behind

This phrase suggests a decrease in progress or a failure to keep pace with others.

slipping back

Indicates a reversal of progress or a return to a previous, less desirable state.

retreating

Implies a withdrawal from a previously held position or advantage.

yielding

Suggests giving way to pressure or competition, resulting in a loss of position.

ceding territory

Similar to "retreating", but specifically refers to giving up control of a physical area or domain.

experiencing setbacks

Highlights the occurrence of obstacles or failures that hinder progress.

suffering losses

Focuses on the negative consequences of a decline, such as financial or material losses.

in decline

Describes a state of gradual deterioration or weakening.

on the wane

Implies a diminishing of power, influence, or popularity.

fading away

Suggests a gradual disappearance or loss of prominence.

FAQs

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

You can use "losing ground" to describe a decline in progress or position, such as "The team is "losing ground" in the championship race" or "The political party is "losing ground" among younger voters".

What are some alternatives to saying "losing ground"?

Alternatives to "losing ground" include phrases like "falling behind", "slipping back", or "retreating", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "lose ground" instead of "losing ground"?

Both "lose ground" and "losing ground" are correct, but they have different uses. "Lose ground" is the infinitive form, while "losing ground" is the present participle form, used in continuous tenses. For example, "They don't want to lose ground" versus "They are losing ground".

What's the difference between "losing ground" and "giving ground"?

"Losing ground" describes a situation where progress or position is declining involuntarily. "Giving ground", on the other hand, implies a more deliberate or strategic retreat or concession. You "give ground" to avoid a bigger loss, while you "lose ground" due to circumstances.