loss of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loss of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where time is wasted or not used effectively. Example: "The delays in the project resulted in a significant loss of time, impacting our overall schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wrote a third piece without any loss of time.

The Guardian - Books

"It shouldn't be a total loss of time," he said.

The New York Times

"The loss of time affected my business," she said.

The New York Times

"This technology aims to substitute for the loss of time within the mother.

The New Yorker

But Mr. Lodato was out sick for four months, a potentially fatal loss of time.

The New York Times

"I'm still optimistic," Galdeano said as he discussed his loss of time to Armstrong.

The New York Times - Sports

You cannot cover up for a loss of time with money.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Italian refused to let her pay for his loss of time.

The New Yorker

They mourn the loss of books and the loss of time for books.

The New Yorker

That disheartening loss of time and opportunity has been matched in other circumstances.

The New York Times

He remounted and continued at a more conservative pace, knowing that his challenge had ended with his loss of time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management or deadlines, use "loss of time" to underscore the negative impact of delays on overall efficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "loss of time" when you actually mean a missed opportunity. "Loss of time" refers to time wasted or unproductively spent. A missed opportunity implies failing to capitalize on a chance or event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes the state of having wasted or unproductively used time. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it acts as the subject or object of a sentence, often in the context of discussing delays, inefficiencies, or regrets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "loss of time" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations where time is wasted or not used effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in various contexts, especially within news, scientific, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "waste of time" or "time wastage" exist, "loss of time" emphasizes the irretrievable nature of the wasted period. Be mindful of the context to avoid confusing it with related concepts like "missed opportunity". In short, using "loss of time" effectively underscores the negative consequences of wasted time, particularly in project management and deadline-sensitive scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time wastage

Focuses on the action of wasting time rather than the state of having lost it.

wasted time

Highlights that the time was spent without achieving a valuable outcome.

time squandered

Emphasizes the careless and irresponsible way in which time was lost.

erosion of time

Suggests a gradual and insidious process of time being lost or diminished.

time down the drain

Idiomatic expression implying that time was completely lost and unrecoverable.

nonproductive hours

Refers specifically to work hours spent without achieving useful results.

inefficient use of time

Highlights the ineffectiveness in how time was allocated and utilized.

sacrifice of time

Implies giving up time, often for a purpose that may or may not be beneficial.

lost opportunity

Focuses on the benefits that were not gained due to the passage of time.

time deficit

Suggests a shortage or deficiency in the available time.

FAQs

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

You can use "loss of time" to describe situations where time is wasted or not used effectively, such as "The project delays resulted in a significant "loss of time", impacting our overall schedule".

What phrases can replace "loss of time"?

Alternatives include "time wastage", "wasted time", or "time squandered", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "loss of time" or "waste of time"?

Both "loss of time" and "waste of time" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Loss of time" emphasizes the fact that time has been irretrievably lost, while "waste of time" highlights the unproductive or fruitless nature of the activity. The best choice depends on the context.

What's the difference between "loss of time" and "missed opportunity"?

"Loss of time" refers to time that has been unproductively used or wasted, while a "missed opportunity" refers to a chance or event that was not capitalized upon. They are not interchangeable.