losing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is wasting time or not making progress. Example: "I feel like I'm losing time by not focusing on my priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are losing time.

The New York Times

I feel like I'm losing time.

The New York Times - Magazine

In effect, Serbia is losing time.

The Economist

I feel it's losing time.

The Guardian - Music

"We're losing time in the pit?" Tom asked.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"These kids are losing time where they create beauty every day," Professor Christen said.

The New York Times

"One guy says, 'You can go,' one says, 'You can't,' and we are losing time.

The New York Times

He once did a somersault in an event and landed on his skis without losing time.

The New York Times - Sports

The Palestinians are losing time". Sharon has yet to detail these "painful concessions".

The Guardian

We are losing time and are challenged to develop more effective strategies that will reverse this worrying trend.

University of California, Berkeley

He's probably too far away now, losing time in the early turns of the next lap.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing deadlines or project timelines, use "losing time" to emphasize the urgency of the situation and the potential negative consequences of delays. For example, "We are "losing time" on this project and need to accelerate our efforts."

Common error

Avoid using "losing time" interchangeably with "wasting time" in contexts where falling behind is the primary concern. While both involve ineffective use of time, "losing time" specifically emphasizes the consequence of missing deadlines or falling behind schedule, whereas "wasting time" focuses on unproductive activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing time" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of falling behind, wasting, or not taking advantage of available time. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples that illustrate its usage in various contexts, confirming its function in conveying this sense of temporal disadvantage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "losing time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the process of falling behind, wasting valuable moments, or missing opportunities. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and general conversation. The phrase carries a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences, and is often used to express concern or urgency. While related phrases like "wasting time" or "falling behind schedule" exist, "losing time" uniquely emphasizes the negative consequences of temporal mismanagement. As such, writers should use "losing time" to underscore the importance of deadlines and the potential impact of delays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wasting time

Focuses on the unproductive use of time, instead of the act of falling behind.

falling behind schedule

Emphasizes the failure to meet deadlines or targets.

squandering time

Highlights the careless and wasteful use of time.

frittering away time

Implies spending time on trivial or unimportant things.

missing opportunities

Focuses on the lost potential due to the passage of time.

slipping behind

Suggests a gradual decline in progress or position.

getting delayed

Emphasizes the experience of being held up or slowed down.

experiencing setbacks

Focuses on obstacles that cause delays or regression.

falling short

Highlights the failure to achieve a desired outcome within a specific timeframe.

becoming inefficient

Focuses on a reduction in productivity or effectiveness.

FAQs

What does "losing time" mean?

"Losing time" generally refers to falling behind schedule, wasting valuable time, or missing opportunities due to delays or inaction.

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

You can use "losing time" to express concern about missed deadlines or wasted opportunities. For example, "We are "losing time" if we don't address these issues immediately."

What can I say instead of "losing time"?

You can use alternatives like "wasting time", "falling behind", or "squandering time" depending on the specific context.

Is "losing time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "losing time" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in English. It accurately describes the act of falling behind schedule or wasting valuable moments.