lost a generation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost a generation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a significant number of people, often young individuals, have been negatively affected or deprived of opportunities, typically due to war, economic hardship, or social issues. Example: "The prolonged conflict in the region has resulted in lost a generation of children who missed out on education and stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We lost a generation".

The New Yorker

We have lost a generation.

The Guardian

"This was lost a generation or two ago.

The New York Times

"We feel as though we've lost a generation," he said.

The New Yorker

"We have lost a generation of park managers," says Colquhoun.

The Guardian

"We lost a generation with the wages reform," Watson says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

We cannot afford to lose a generation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're losing a generation of the human race".

The New Yorker

We can't afford to lose a generation in education," Mr. Silver said on Sunday.

The New York Times

The problem is that if we wait until then, we will lose a generation getting there".

The Economist

We risk losing a generation of young Muslims to apathy and extremism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider specifying the cause of the loss when using the phrase "lost a generation". This could be due to conflict, economic downturn, or policy failures. Clarifying the cause provides a deeper understanding of the consequences.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "lost a generation" without sufficient evidence or specific examples. Overgeneralizing can weaken the argument and make it seem like an exaggeration. Provide concrete data or anecdotes to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost a generation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a situation where a group of people, typically those of a similar age, have experienced significant setbacks or missed opportunities, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost a generation" is a common expression used to describe situations where a significant group of people, usually of similar age, have been negatively impacted by events or circumstances that limit their opportunities or overall well-being. Analysis of various sources confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in news, business, and formal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

While the phrase is prevalent, it's crucial to use it with specificity, providing supporting evidence to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives like "missed a generation" or "sacrificed a generation" may offer nuances depending on the intended meaning. By understanding the contexts and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ this phrase to highlight important societal issues and prompt meaningful discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

missed a generation

Emphasizes the lack of opportunities or experiences for a generation.

sacrificed a generation

Highlights the idea that a generation has suffered losses for a particular cause or situation.

wasted a generation

Focuses on the unrealized potential and opportunities that were not utilized.

forfeited a generation

Suggests the loss of something valuable that a generation should have inherited.

a generation deprived

Highlights the lack of essential resources or opportunities affecting an entire generation.

a generation failed

Indicates that systems or institutions have not adequately supported or provided for a generation.

a generation set back

Implies that progress or development has been significantly delayed for a generation.

a generation stunted

Highlights hindered growth or development, whether physical, intellectual, or emotional.

a generation diminished

Indicates a reduction in the quality of life, opportunities, or skills for a generation.

a generation compromised

Suggests that the well-being or future prospects of a generation have been put at risk or negatively affected.

FAQs

What does it mean to say we've "lost a generation"?

Saying we've "lost a generation" typically means that a particular cohort of people has been significantly negatively affected by circumstances such as war, economic hardship, or social issues, resulting in a lack of opportunities or a decline in their overall well-being.

How can I use the phrase "lost a generation" in a sentence?

You can use "lost a generation" to describe situations where there is a significant loss of potential or opportunity among a particular age group. For example, "The economic crisis resulted in "lost a generation" of young people struggling to find stable employment".

Are there any alternatives to saying "lost a generation"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "missed a generation", "sacrificed a generation", or "wasted a generation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "lost a generation" and "failing a generation"?

"Lost a generation" typically refers to the consequences of past events or circumstances, while "failing a generation" suggests an ongoing process where current actions or inactions are negatively impacting young people. "Failing a generation" implies a more active role in the negative outcome.