losing the ability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing the ability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a decline in skills, capabilities, or faculties, often in a context related to health, aging, or skill development. Example: "As he aged, he found himself losing the ability to remember names and faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I think I'm losing the ability to read.

The New Yorker

Kids are losing the ability to write and spell properly.

The Guardian

Are young people losing the ability to read properly?

The Guardian - Opinion

She is losing the ability to describe her situation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Losing the ability to speak loudly enough, clearly enough.

The New York Times

Then losing the ability to speak without stuttering.

The Guardian

Losing the ability to place satellites safely into LEOs would thus be a bad thing.

The Economist

They have drained their savings, losing the ability to pay their rent.

The New York Times

Are you losing the ability to communicate, and to be "real," face-to-face?

The New York Times

You're losing the ability to spot someone at the very beginning of a career".

The New York Times

It sets out to answer questions like: are we losing the ability to think deeply?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a gradual decline in skills or capabilities, use "losing the ability" to clearly convey the process over time.

Common error

Avoid substituting "ability" with "opportunity". "Ability" refers to the capacity to do something, while "opportunity" refers to a chance. For example, instead of saying "He is losing the opportunity to speak", say "He is losing the ability to speak" if you mean he is becoming incapable of speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing the ability" functions as a verbal phrase acting as part of a larger predicate, describing a process of diminishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to denote a decline in skill or capacity. The phrase often indicates an ongoing or progressive reduction in capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "losing the ability" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a decline in skills, faculties, or capacities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate in various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Science", it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure that you are accurately conveying a decrease in capability rather than a missed chance or "opportunity". Remember to use "losing the ability" when describing an ongoing process, and consider alternatives like ""decreasing the capacity"" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decreasing the capacity

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in one's inherent or developed potential to perform a certain action or function.

Forfeiting the power

Highlights the relinquishment of control or authority, often in a situation where one has the option to retain it.

Relinquishing the skill

Focuses on voluntarily giving up a specific, learned competence, often implying a conscious decision.

Impairing the faculty

Suggests damage or weakening to a specific mental or physical aptitude.

Diminishing the aptitude

Indicates a gradual decline in a natural talent or inclination toward something.

Compromising the potential

Emphasizes a reduction in the inherent possibility for growth or success.

Eroding the competence

Describes a slow, steady degradation of a specific developed expertise.

Waning the proficiency

Implies a gradual decrease in expertness or skill, often due to disuse or age.

Losing the knack

Suggests the decline of a special or intuitive talent for doing something easily.

Slipping the control

Indicates a gradual loss of command or governance over oneself or a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "losing the ability" in a sentence?

"Losing the ability" can be used to describe a decline in skills, capabilities, or faculties. For example, "As she aged, she was losing the ability to hear high-frequency sounds."

What are some alternatives to "losing the ability"?

You can use alternatives like "decreasing the capacity", "relinquishing the skill", or "compromising the potential" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "loss the ability" instead of "losing the ability"?

No, "loss the ability" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "losing the ability" or "lost the ability", depending on whether you are describing an ongoing process or a completed event.

What's the difference between "losing the ability" and "losing the opportunity"?

"Losing the ability" refers to a decline in capability or skill, whereas "losing the opportunity" refers to missing a chance or a possibility. They are not interchangeable.