lost a step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost a step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has become less effective, skilled, or agile, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "After years of intense training, he finally felt like he had lost a step in his performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I had lost a step.

The New York Times - Health

"George had lost a step," he said.

The New York Times

But she lost a step in speed and quickness.

The New York Times - Sports

But over the years he has lost a step.

The New York Times - Sports

But he has lost a step or two.

The New York Times

Families don't put Uncle Claude on waivers as soon as he has lost a step.

The New York Times

"She clearly hasn't, like, lost a step at all since she's been gone.

The New York Times - Sports

The 33-year-old Wayne has an expiring contract and has clearly lost a step.

The New York Times

At 65, Fidel looks and sounds as if he hadn't lost a step.

The New Yorker

I've lost a step, sure; I just don't want to lose the whole staircase.

The New York Times

Yes, I have lost a step or two in the hundred-metre dash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost a step", consider the context. It can apply to physical abilities, mental sharpness, or even the progress of a project. Ensure your sentence clearly indicates what has declined.

Common error

Avoid using "lost a step" exclusively for physical decline. While common in sports, it can also describe a decline in skills, strategies, or momentum in various fields.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost a step" functions as a predicate within a sentence, typically describing a decline in someone's abilities, performance, or progress. Ludwig shows numerous examples from news and media where this phrase is used to describe athletes or professionals whose performance has diminished.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

30%

General

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost a step" is a common and acceptable way to describe a decline in ability, performance, or progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports and general media. It is most often used to indicate that someone or something is not as effective as they once were. While primarily neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriate usage. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in limited contexts and consider alternatives like "declined in ability" or "slipped a bit" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less effective

Focuses on the reduction in the ability to produce a desired result.

declined in ability

Focuses more on a general reduction in skill or capability.

slipped a bit

Indicates a slight decline or error in performance.

diminished in performance

Emphasizes a decrease in the level of output or effectiveness.

regressed slightly

Implies a movement back to a previous, less developed state.

not as sharp

Suggests a decline in mental acuity or physical responsiveness.

slowed down

Highlights a reduction in speed or pace, often in a physical sense.

not at their best

A more general way of saying that someone is not performing optimally.

faded a bit

Suggests a gradual loss of prominence or intensity.

past their prime

Indicates that someone or something has already reached the peak of their abilities.

FAQs

How to use "lost a step" in a sentence?

You can use "lost a step" to describe a decline in someone's abilities or performance, as in "After the injury, the athlete seemed to have "lost a step"".

What can I say instead of "lost a step"?

You can use alternatives like "declined in ability", "slowed down", or "slipped a bit" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say someone has "lost a step or two"?

Yes, saying someone has "lost a step or two" is a common and acceptable way to emphasize a noticeable decline in performance or ability.

Can "lost a step" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "lost a step" can be used metaphorically to describe a decline in any kind of performance, not just physical abilities. For example, "The project has "lost a step" due to budget cuts".