losing heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing feelings of discouragement or loss of hope in a situation. Example: "After several failed attempts, she began losing heart and doubted her ability to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Meanwhile the understudies were losing heart.

The Guardian - Sport

Even estate agents seem to be losing heart.

The Economist

Losing Heart Mr. Campbell looked at the calendar.

The New York Times

They're losing heart that we'll ever change, I think.

The New Yorker

South won in her hand, played a club to dummy and took a losing heart finesse.

The New York Times

South won in the dummy and took a losing heart finesse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

As Danny Knobler writes on CBSSports.com, it could be chalked up to karma's payback for what they did to the Rangers last year, except proper payback for that would have been losing heart-crushing games that went down to a final strike.

The New York Times

Crashing into the scenery results in the player losing hearts.

Wikipedia

"We don't lose heart".

The New York Times

Did you ever lose heart?

The New York Times

There is no reason to lose heart.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "losing heart" to describe a gradual decrease in enthusiasm or courage, particularly when facing prolonged challenges. It effectively conveys a sense of diminishing hope over time.

Common error

Avoid using "losing heart" to describe a brief moment of discouragement. This phrase is more appropriate when describing a sustained decline in morale or motivation, not a fleeting feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing heart" functions as a verb phrase, specifically as a present participle, indicating an ongoing process of becoming discouraged. This is supported by the Ludwig examples, which show its use in describing a gradual decline in morale or enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Books

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "losing heart" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a gradual decline in enthusiasm or courage. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and contextualizes its usage within news, sports, and books. While relatively rare, the phrase effectively conveys a sense of diminishing hope over time. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "becoming discouraged" or "losing hope". Remember that "losing heart" is most appropriate when describing a sustained decline, not a fleeting moment of discouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming discouraged

Focuses on the emotional state of feeling disheartened.

losing hope

Emphasizes the absence of positive expectation for the future.

giving up

Highlights the act of ceasing effort or resistance.

becoming despondent

Suggests a deeper state of sadness and hopelessness.

lacking motivation

Points to a deficiency in the drive to pursue goals.

becoming demoralized

Indicates a loss of morale or team spirit.

losing enthusiasm

Focuses on a decrease in excitement and passion.

becoming pessimistic

Emphasizes a shift towards negative expectations.

faltering resolve

Highlights a weakening of determination.

waning spirit

Implies a gradual decline in energy and vitality.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "losing heart"?

Saying someone is "losing heart" means they are becoming discouraged or losing hope, often due to facing difficulties or setbacks over a period of time.

What can I say instead of "losing heart"?

You can use alternatives like "becoming discouraged", "losing hope", or "giving up" depending on the specific context.

Is "losing heart" an idiom?

Yes, "losing heart" is an idiom that means to become discouraged or lose enthusiasm.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "losing heart"?

It is appropriate to use "losing heart" when describing a gradual decline in someone's motivation or hope, especially when they are facing ongoing challenges or difficulties.