losing money

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing money" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing financial losses or negative financial performance in various contexts, such as business, investments, or personal finance. Example: "After reviewing the quarterly reports, it became clear that the company has been losing money for the past three months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's still losing money".

The New York Times

Twitter is losing money.

The New York Times

"You are losing money.

Independent

Both guys were losing money".

The New York Times

Over 70% are losing money.

The Economist

But it was losing money.

The New Yorker

"The hospital is losing money".

The New York Times

Two, indeed, are losing money.

The Economist

"You end up losing money.

The New York Times

They are losing money instead.

The Economist

Now I'm losing money".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a company's performance, be specific about the period during which they were "losing money". For example, "The company was losing money in the first quarter due to increased operating costs."

Common error

Avoid using "losing money" as a generic term for economic recession or market crash. Instead, reserve it for specific instances where an entity's expenditures exceed its income. General economic difficulties might contribute to an entity's losses, but it is not equal to that.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing money" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a state of financial loss or unprofitability. It describes an ongoing action where expenditures exceed income. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "losing money" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a financial loss, as affirmed by Ludwig. It indicates that expenses exceed income and is used across various contexts, particularly in news and business. While interchangeable with alternatives like "incurring losses" or "operating at a deficit", "losing money" maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When using the phrase, be specific about the context and avoid overgeneralizing it to broader economic trends. Ludwig's extensive examples showcase its widespread usage in reputable sources, solidifying its place as a reliable and clear expression for conveying financial difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incurring losses

Focuses on the action of experiencing losses, shifting from the continuous "losing" to a more definitive term.

suffering financial losses

Emphasizes the negative impact and experience of financial setbacks.

operating at a deficit

Highlights the state of running a business or organization with expenditures exceeding income.

experiencing negative cash flow

Specifically refers to the movement of money in and out of an entity, indicating more money is going out than coming in.

being in the red

An idiomatic expression indicating financial debt or unprofitability.

underperforming financially

Focuses on the inadequate financial results compared to expectations or potential.

burning through cash

Implies spending money rapidly, often without generating sufficient revenue.

draining resources

Emphasizes the depletion of available funds or assets.

funding shortfall

Highlights a lack of sufficient funds to meet obligations.

economic downturn

Refers to a general decline in economic activity, which can lead to companies "losing money".

FAQs

What does it mean when a company is "losing money"?

When a company is "losing money", it means its expenses are greater than its revenues. This results in a net loss, indicating that the company is not profitable during a specific period.

What are some alternatives to saying "losing money"?

You can use alternatives such as "incurring losses", "operating at a deficit", or "experiencing negative cash flow" depending on the specific context.

How does a company prevent "losing money"?

Companies can prevent "losing money" by increasing revenue, reducing expenses, improving efficiency, diversifying income streams, and carefully managing their financial resources.

Is "losing money" always a sign of a failing business?

"Losing money" doesn't necessarily indicate a failing business. Start-ups, businesses in transition, or those making strategic investments may experience temporary losses. However, consistent and prolonged losses without corrective action can be a serious concern.