loss of control

USAGE SUMMARY

"loss of control" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the feeling of not being able to manage a situation or to refer to the loss of a certain ability. For example: After the accident, John felt a severe loss of control.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One is loss of control.

The Economist

The loss of control is intolerable.

The New York Times

I felt a loss of control.

The New York Times

"It was such a loss of control".

The New Yorker

Loss of control in flight is rare.

The New York Times

"The Americans" is about loss of control.

The New Yorker

Would that excuse Sheppard's loss of control?

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a loss of control there.

The Guardian - Music

It's about the ecstatic loss of control.

The Guardian - Music

The preparations and the loss of control may be related.

The New York Times

"Editorial has a huge fear of loss of control.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing sensitive topics like personal struggles or societal issues, use "loss of control" to accurately convey the experience of feeling overwhelmed or powerless.

Common error

Avoid using "loss of control" when referring to simple mistakes or miscalculations. It's more appropriate for situations involving a significant inability to manage a process, emotion, or system effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of control" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition where the ability to manage or direct something has been diminished or eliminated. As Ludwig AI highlights, its correct usage confirms its role in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loss of control" is a noun phrase frequently used to describe situations where the ability to manage or direct something has diminished or ceased. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific domains, it conveys feelings of helplessness, system failures, or declines in authority. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a significant inability to manage a process or situation, distinguishing it from minor errors or miscalculations. Choosing alternatives like "lack of control" or "breakdown in control" can help refine the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of control

Focuses on the absence of control rather than the process of losing it; interchangeable in many contexts.

breakdown in control

Emphasizes the failure or cessation of control mechanisms, often implying a sudden or dramatic event.

out of control

Describes a state where something or someone is no longer manageable or restrained, representing a condition resulting from loss of control.

loss of command

Specifically refers to losing authority or the ability to direct a situation or team; appropriate in leadership or hierarchical scenarios.

breakdown of order

Indicates a disruption of structured systems and regulated processes due to the missing of the ability to dominate events.

erosion of power

Highlights the gradual decline of power or influence, particularly in political or organizational contexts.

forfeiture of authority

Describes an act of giving up authority, often legally or formally, but the initial ability to dominate is lost.

lapse in oversight

Stresses the failure to supervise or monitor effectively, leading to consequences akin to loss of control.

diminished influence

Suggests a reduction in the capacity to affect events or behaviors, where control is weaker than before.

waiving jurisdiction

This term relates to relinquish control, typically in legal contexts, with the ability to make juridical dicisions gone.

FAQs

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

You can use "loss of control" to describe situations where someone or something is no longer manageable. For example, "The pilot experienced a "loss of control" due to severe turbulence" or "The company suffered a "loss of control" over its supply chain."

What are some synonyms for "loss of control"?

Some synonyms for "loss of control" include "lack of control", "breakdown in control", and "out of control". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "losses of control"?

While grammatically possible, "losses of control" is less common than "loss of control". "Loss of control" is generally used as a singular, abstract concept, while "losses of control" might refer to multiple, distinct instances where control was lost.

What's the difference between "loss of control" and "lack of control"?

"Loss of control" implies a previous state of having control that is now gone, whereas "lack of control" suggests that control was never present in the first place. The nuance depends on whether control was actively lost or simply never existed. Depending on context, "lack of control" could be a suitable substitution.