lost flexibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost flexibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has become less adaptable or less able to change in response to new circumstances. Example: "After the new policies were implemented, the team lost flexibility in their work schedules, making it difficult to accommodate personal commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

When maintained in 1.5 M salt buffer for longer periods, skeletons continued to shrink, lost flexibility, and assumed irregular shapes: this rigidification was irreversible.

Stanford University

Alliances are an improvement but chiefly because they bring back some of that lost flexibility.Airlines also claim that alliances sometimes intensify competition.

The Economist

Over the years, the BOP has lost flexibility in the classification process and has gotten away from reducing custody on low risk inmates.

Forbes

Increased lung resistance and decreased lung compliance indicate the lung has lost "flexibility" or has become "stiffer" due to fibrous tissue, and in the case of an asthmatic episode, cellular infiltrates, edema, and bronchi constriction.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Protein loses flexibility when a flexible residue (Leucine) is replaced with a rigid one like Proline.

BioMed Research International

You'll get the cheapest rates booking online in advance, but lose flexibility.

The Guardian - Travel

Firms form TJVs in an effort to access future technological opportunities without losing flexibility in uncertain contexts.

Research Policy

A National League manager said he had to approach a player last year who was losing flexibility and gaining weight.

The New York Times - Sports

As further encouragement to ride the train, the state introduced a "guaranteed ride" program to combat commuters' complaints about losing flexibility when they abandon their cars.

The New York Times

They also fear that losing flexibility in currency exchange rates will make them less competitive and less able to withstand financial trouble.

The New York Times

In return, consultants will lose flexibility over how they choose to organise their work and must now agree job plans with hospital managers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the effects of aging or injury, use "lost flexibility" to convey a decrease in physical pliability and range of motion. For example, "As we age, our muscles often lose flexibility."

Common error

Avoid using "lost flexibility" when "lack of flexibility" is more appropriate. "Lost flexibility" implies a previous state of flexibility that has been diminished, while "lack of flexibility" indicates an inherent absence or deficiency from the beginning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost flexibility" primarily functions as a noun phrase where "lost" modifies the noun "flexibility". It describes a state of having a reduced or absent capacity to bend, stretch, or adapt, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost flexibility" is grammatically correct and usable to describe a decline or reduction in adaptability or physical pliability. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's essential to distinguish its usage from "lack of flexibility", which implies an absence from the start. Occurring across various contexts—including news, science, and academia—the phrase is best employed when indicating a previous state of flexibility that has diminished. Alternatives include phrases such as "reduced adaptability" and "decreased suppleness", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced adaptability

Emphasizes the decreased ability to adjust to new conditions or situations.

decreased suppleness

Focuses on the physical aspect of reduced pliability or elasticity.

impaired agility

Highlights a decline in quickness and ease of movement or response.

diminished range of motion

Specifically refers to a decrease in the extent of movement possible.

stiffened up

Indicates a loss of the quality of bending easily without breaking.

became rigid

Implies a hardening or inflexibility that was not previously present.

compromised maneuverability

Emphasizes the reduced ability to move or operate easily and skillfully.

suffered inflexibility

Highlights the impact on flexibility that has negatively affected a system.

sacrificed pliability

Shows that flexibility was not maintained.

forfeited compliance

Illustrates the inability to accept changes or comply.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost flexibility" to describe a decline in adaptability, such as "The company "lost flexibility" after the merger" or to denote a physical condition, like "He "lost flexibility" in his back due to the injury".

What is a good substitute for "lost flexibility"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "reduced adaptability", "decreased suppleness", or "impaired agility".

When is it appropriate to use "lack of flexibility" instead of "lost flexibility"?

"Lack of flexibility" is suitable when referring to a state where flexibility was never present or was always deficient. "Lost flexibility" implies a previous state of being flexible.

Is "loses flexibility" grammatically different from "lost flexibility"?

Yes, "loses flexibility" is the present tense, indicating an ongoing or habitual action (e.g., "He loses flexibility with each passing year"), while ""lost flexibility"" is past tense, indicating a completed action (e.g., "He "lost flexibility" after the accident").