losing incentive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing incentive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decrease in motivation or drive to pursue a goal or task. Example: "As the project dragged on without clear direction, the team began losing incentive to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

At the same time, the rebels, emboldened by their gains in recent days, are losing incentive to make concessions.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When housing prices dip below the value of the mortgages out on them, consumers lose incentive to keep current.

Forbes

Morici said that if the government was to create added benefits, it should do it in a way that doesn't cause people to lose incentive for getting work.

Forbes

With an extensive provision of rights, on the other hand, immigrants would lose incentives to undertake integration efforts, since benefits associated with rights don't need to be earned anymore.

Comparative Migration Studies

"Failing to pass this bill will mean losing every incentive we need to maximize American energy production, to stabilize the energy market, to improve the power grid, and to create jobs," said Senator Peter W. Domenici, Republican of New Mexico.

The New York Times

And Serena Williams, having played in only four tournaments this year because of a sore knee, could be in danger of losing endorsement incentives if she tumbles out of the top 10.

The New York Times - Sports

The FairTax would be tax-free on mortgage interest (up to a basic interest rate) and donations, but some law makers have concerns about losing tax incentives on home ownership and charitable contributions.

Wikipedia

Farmers had lost any incentive to work.

The New Yorker

When truckers and commuters know tolls will increase each year, they lose all incentive to return.

The New York Times

And, like the American farmers before them, Mexican, African, and Asian farmers lost the incentive for saving seed.

The New Yorker

As price expectations fall, homeowners lose the incentive to pay off a mortgage on a home they are realizing is beyond their means.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "losing incentive", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific factor or benefit is diminishing, leading to the decreased motivation. For example: "The team is losing incentive because the project's goals are no longer achievable."

Common error

Avoid assuming the reason for "losing incentive" is always external. Sometimes, internal factors like burnout or a change in personal goals can be the primary driver. Addressing only external factors might not solve the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing incentive" functions as a verb phrase acting as a gerund modifying a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it is a valid phrase used to indicate a reduction or disappearance of a motivating factor. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts relating to negotiations and economic factors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "losing incentive" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a reduction in motivation, confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly appears in news and media, science, and business contexts, indicating a previously present motivational factor is diminishing. To enhance clarity in writing, specify the cause of the reduced incentive. Related phrases include "losing motivation" and "diminishing enthusiasm", providing alternative ways to express the concept. While generally appropriate, consider the nuance when choosing between "losing incentive" and alternatives like "lack of motivation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

losing motivation

Focuses more directly on the decrease in motivation itself, rather than the loss of something that encourages it.

losing impetus

Suggests a loss of the initial force or momentum that propelled an action or project.

diminishing motivation

Highlights the gradual decline in motivation over time.

waning enthusiasm

Emphasizes a decline in excitement or eagerness.

decreasing drive

Similar to losing motivation, but emphasizes a reduction in ambition and energy.

becoming discouraged

Focuses on the emotional state of losing hope or confidence.

losing interest

Highlights a decrease in curiosity or concern about something.

becoming apathetic

Indicates a gradual decline in emotional engagement. It describes a feeling of indifference or lack of concern.

abandoning hope

Signifies a complete loss of optimism and expectation for a positive outcome.

ceasing to care

Suggests a complete lack of concern or investment in something.

FAQs

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

You can use "losing incentive" to describe a situation where someone's motivation decreases due to a disappearing reward or benefit. For example: "The employees are "losing incentive" to work overtime because the bonus program was cancelled."

What are some alternatives to "losing incentive"?

Alternatives include "losing motivation", "diminishing motivation", or "decreasing drive", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lose incentive" or "losing incentive"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Lose incentive" is used when expressing a general possibility or instruction, while "losing incentive" describes an ongoing process or state. For example: "They might lose incentive if the project fails" vs. "They are "losing incentive" as the project drags on."

What's the difference between "losing incentive" and "lack of motivation"?

"Losing incentive" implies a previously present motivation that is now decreasing or disappearing, while "lack of motivation" suggests an absence of motivation from the beginning. "Lack of motivation" means that there never was motivation.