lost earnings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost earnings" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing financial losses due to various reasons, such as accidents or business interruptions. For example, "The company filed a claim for lost earnings due to the unexpected shutdown." Alternative expressions include "lost income" and "forgone earnings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Parents fret that their children are flunking exams; traders worry about lost earnings.

The Economist

Tot up these costs in lost earnings and unrealised human potential, and the figures become dizzying.

The Economist

Plans typically cover ransoms, the hiring of consultants and negotiators, lost earnings and other costs.

The Economist

All that was required, he said, was to show medical bills or calculate lost earnings.

The New York Times

The bigger question is not about lost earnings but what he believes he will lose.

The New York Times

He may be able to sue for lost earnings, which would come to millions of pounds.

The Guardian - Sport

If not, you may have to foot the bill for your absence through lost earnings.

The Guardian - Money

You will be compensated for lost earnings as well as travel and eating expenses.

The Guardian

The lawsuit seeks damages "in excess of $500,000" to remedy lost earnings and wages.

The Guardian - Tech

In 2005 a jury awarded him $2.85 million in lost earnings and damages.

The New York Times - Arts

Put together, the costs of travel, accommodation and, in many cases, lost earnings can be enormous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or insurance matters, use "lost earnings" to refer to income lost due to an injury or event. Be specific about the period and type of earnings affected.

Common error

Avoid using "lost earnings" when you actually mean "lost profits". "Lost earnings" typically refers to individual income, while "lost profits" refers to business revenue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost earnings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it frequently appears in legal, financial, and economic contexts to describe a quantifiable financial loss. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lost earnings" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe financial losses, particularly in legal, economic, and insurance contexts. Ludwig provides many examples to support its usage. While alternatives like "lost wages" and "lost income" exist, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately, distinguishing it from related concepts like "lost profits". Remember to consider specificity and context for effective communication. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is both correct and widely applicable across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost wages

Focuses specifically on the loss of income from employment.

lost income

A broader term encompassing all types of income loss, not just wages.

forgone earnings

Emphasizes the act of giving up potential income.

missed revenue

Highlights the loss of revenue, particularly in a business context.

income shortfall

Indicates a deficiency or gap in expected income.

reduced compensation

Focuses on a decrease in overall compensation.

earnings deficit

Implies a negative balance or shortage in earnings.

revenue loss

Specific to businesses and organizations, indicating a decline in revenue.

diminished income

Suggests a gradual decrease or reduction in income.

impaired earnings

Implies that something has negatively impacted the ability to earn.

FAQs

How is "lost earnings" usually calculated in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "lost earnings" are typically calculated by considering the individual's past earnings, potential future earnings, and any mitigating factors. Expert testimony is often used to project future income, taking into account factors such as age, education, and career trajectory.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lost earnings"?

You can use alternatives like "lost wages", "lost income", or "forgone earnings" depending on the specific context.

Is "lost earnings" the same as "lost profits"?

No, "lost earnings" refers to an individual's lost income, while "lost profits" refers to a business's lost revenue. The two terms are not interchangeable.

How does "lost earnings" relate to disability benefits?

Disability benefits are often designed to replace a portion of an individual's "lost earnings" due to an inability to work because of a disability. The amount of benefits is often calculated based on previous earnings.