lost confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone no longer has faith in themselves or their abilities. For example, "Losing his job caused him to lose confidence and he found himself unable to return to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We have lost confidence.

The New York Times

I lost confidence.

The Guardian - Arts

Whether he's lost confidence.

The Guardian - Sport

And he lost confidence.

The Guardian

"We then lost confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

I never lost confidence".

The Guardian - Sport

Many more have lost confidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

We've lost confidence in her.

The Guardian

I lost confidence in them".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

As soon as I lost confidence in one thing, I snowballed and lost confidence in any area.

Vice

I've lost confidence [in the tribunal].

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost confidence", consider specifying the area in which confidence was lost to provide clarity and context. For example, "He lost confidence in his ability to lead the team."

Common error

Avoid vague statements about losing confidence without providing specific examples or reasons. Instead of saying "The team lost confidence", explain what caused the loss of confidence, such as "The team lost confidence after a series of defeats".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost confidence" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used as part of a predicate to describe a state or condition. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable. It expresses a change in someone's psychological state, indicating a decline in self-belief or assurance. Examples show it is used to describe personal feelings, team dynamics, and even economic situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Academia

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost confidence" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a decline in self-assurance or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various contexts, from personal experiences to broader economic or political situations. While predominantly found in news and media, its usage extends to academic and scientific domains as well. Remember to provide specific context when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and to clearly articulate the reason for the loss of confidence. Alternatives such as "lacked conviction" or "experienced doubt" can offer nuanced ways to express a similar sentiment. Always be mindful of the specific situation you want to convey in your writing and choose the best way to express what happened.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became uncertain

Emphasizes the shift from a state of certainty to a state of doubt or ambiguity, reflecting a loss of clarity and assurance.

experienced doubt

Highlights the feeling of uncertainty and questioning of one's abilities, actions, or decisions, pointing to a wavering sense of self-belief.

felt insecure

Focuses on the emotional aspect of lacking confidence, emphasizing feelings of unease, anxiety, and self-doubt.

lost faith

Indicates a diminished belief in oneself, others, or a particular system or ideology, suggesting a significant departure from previous convictions.

lacked conviction

Focuses on the absence of a strong belief or certainty in one's abilities or decisions, implying a deficiency in inner assurance.

waned in assurance

Suggests a gradual decline in certainty and self-belief, implying a slow erosion of one's sense of capability.

became disillusioned

Highlights the disappointment and loss of faith in something previously held in high regard, suggesting a more profound shift in perspective.

became diffident

Focuses on the shyness and reserve resulting from a lack of confidence, implying a hesitant and unassertive demeanor.

suffered a setback

Emphasizes a temporary hindrance or reversal in progress, leading to a reduction in self-assurance due to recent failures.

succumbed to anxiety

Suggests that feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease have overwhelmed one's sense of confidence and ability to cope.

FAQs

What does "lost confidence" mean?

The phrase "lost confidence" signifies a decline or absence of self-assurance, belief in one's abilities, or faith in a particular outcome. It implies a shift from a state of certainty and conviction to one of doubt and uncertainty.

How can I use "lost confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "lost confidence" to describe a situation where someone no longer believes in their abilities or the likelihood of success. For example, "After the error, he "lost confidence" in his programming skills".

What are some alternatives to "lost confidence"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "lacked conviction", "experienced doubt", or "felt insecure" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "loses confidence" instead of "lost confidence"?

Yes, "loses confidence" and "lost confidence" are both grammatically correct but have different tenses. "Loses confidence" describes an ongoing or habitual action, while "lost confidence" describes a completed action in the past. For example, "He "loses confidence" easily" versus "He "lost confidence" after the failure".