loss of authority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loss of authority" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing power dynamics, leadership, or control, often in relation to organizations or individuals losing their influence or control. Example: "The sudden resignation of the CEO led to a significant loss of authority within the company, causing confusion among the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

This book-length essay is not so much about media as it is a social history of the decline of patrician New York and the loss of authority once wielded by traditionally civilized people like the author.

The New York Times - Books

This has increasingly left the politicians with a loss of authority.

The Guardian

Since his loss of authority, he's been acting out in all kinds of inappropriate ways.

The New York Times - Arts

Outside Dublin the turnout was low.Yet did Mr Ahern's misjudgment mean a loss of authority too?

The Economist

"The beating that it received today," he added, "is a huge demonstration of its loss of authority".

The New York Times

The loss of authority in Moscow is as sudden as any in memory, apart from that brought about by military defeat.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

But this would include, by definition, all of the loss-of-authority cases we discussed above, see Part III B 2, supra a long line of precedent that the dissent does not question.

Cornell University

Gray's religious authority increased despite his loss of legal authority, and after the church in South Africa was recognized as autonomous, the English bishops deposed Colenso in 1869.

Britannica

Most of those who did stand were defeated.Fianna Fail's story has echoes of the experience of the Catholic church in Ireland, which suffered a huge loss of moral authority and public confidence after covering up sex-abuse scandals involving some clergy.

The Economist

Perhaps the change the church is now (unwillingly) going through - the loss of moral authority and cultural dominance - will provide the context for a spiritual revival.

Huffington Post

The rector of Semmelweis University, Tivadar Tulassay, has also resigned, saying he felt a "loss of confidence" from the authorities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loss of authority", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is experiencing the decline in power. For instance, specify "the company's loss of authority" or "the leader's loss of authority".

Common error

Avoid attributing "loss of authority" to vague external factors without identifying specific causes. Instead of saying "the loss of authority occurred due to societal changes", specify the concrete events or trends that contributed to the decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of authority" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a state or condition of reduced power or control. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loss of authority" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a decline in power or control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedic content. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject experiencing the decline and the factors contributing to it. Related phrases include "decline in power" and "erosion of control". Avoiding vague attributions and providing concrete details will strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline in power

Focuses on the reduction of overall power or influence.

erosion of control

Highlights the gradual weakening of control over a situation or group.

diminished influence

Emphasizes the reduced impact on decisions or actions.

weakening of command

Implies a reduction in the ability to give and enforce orders.

reduction in sway

Suggests a decrease in the ability to persuade or influence others.

undermining of power

Focuses on actions or events that weaken authority.

fading influence

Suggests a gradual decrease in the capacity to have an effect on something.

waning control

Highlights the diminishing ability to manage or direct a situation.

disempowerment

Refers to the process of losing power or control.

abdication of leadership

Implies a deliberate relinquishing of authority or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "loss of authority" in a sentence?

You can use "loss of authority" to describe situations where an individual, group, or institution experiences a decline in their power or control. For example, "The government's scandal led to a significant "loss of authority" among the public".

What are some alternatives to "loss of authority"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "decline in power", "erosion of control", or "diminished influence" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "loss of authority" and "loss of autonomy"?

"Loss of authority" refers to a decrease in power or control over others, while "loss of autonomy" refers to a decrease in self-governance or independence. Authority relates to external control, whereas autonomy relates to internal control.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "loss of authority"?

The phrase "loss of authority" is appropriate when describing a situation where someone or something that previously held power or influence has experienced a decline in that power. This can be due to various factors such as scandal, incompetence, or changing social norms.