lost its edge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost its edge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has become less effective, sharp, or competitive over time. Example: "The company's innovative spirit has diminished, and it seems to have lost its edge in the market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But over the decades, it lost its edge to France, Russia and, most recently, Japan.

The New York Times - Science

He recalled an era when quirky rebels dominated the sport, before it lost its edge to recreational road racers and strictly-business professionals.

The New York Times

Not too long ago, Bing Maps was pretty competitive with Google Maps, but it feels like it has lost its edge a bit lately.

TechCrunch

It has lost its edge in design: many of its handsets look staid and dated.

The Economist

It slowly lost its edge and was quickly overtaken by the upstart Facebook.

The Guardian - Tech

A pioneer in design, Nokia lost its edge when it failed to anticipate the popularity of slim "clam-shell" phones.

The Economist

So, too, does DirecTV seem to have lost its edge as it has waited around to be acquired.

The New York Times

Five years on, flying has still not lost its edge for Muirhead, but it's a hard-won thrill.

The Guardian - Money

It seemed Nintendo had lost its edge.

TechCrunch

Turkish anger with Israel may not have run its course, but it does seem to have lost its edge.

The New York Times

Once a design and innovation powerhouse, Sony has lost its edge in almost all the sectors it once led.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lost its edge", ensure the subject has previously possessed a distinct advantage or characteristic that is now diminished. For example, "The product once revolutionized the market but has since lost its edge due to newer innovations."

Common error

Avoid assuming the reason something "lost its edge" without providing sufficient evidence. It's more impactful to specify potential factors contributing to the decline rather than making vague assertions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost its edge" functions as a descriptive idiom, typically acting as part of a predicate to indicate a decline in effectiveness, sharpness, or competitive advantage. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost its edge" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a decline in effectiveness, sharpness, or competitiveness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure the subject has a previously established advantage that has diminished over time. Alternatives such as "lost its sharpness" or "lost its competitive advantage" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid making unsubstantiated claims about the cause of the decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost its sharpness

Replaces "edge" with "sharpness", focusing on a reduction in keenness or precision.

lost its competitive advantage

Replaces "edge" with a more explicit term related to business and competition.

lost its effectiveness

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

declined in prominence

Shifts the focus to a reduction in fame or importance.

faded in significance

Highlights a lessening of importance or impact.

became less influential

Emphasizes a decrease in the power to affect decisions or actions.

waned in power

Suggests a gradual decrease in strength or authority.

diminished in impact

Focuses on a reduction in the force or effect produced.

is not as effective

A more direct and simple way of saying something is no longer working as well.

is past its prime

Indicates that something was once at its best but is now in decline.

FAQs

How can I use "lost its edge" in a sentence?

Use "lost its edge" to describe something that was once sharp, effective, or innovative but has since declined in quality or competitiveness. For example, "The company once dominated the market, but it has "lost its edge" due to increased competition."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "lost its edge"?

You can use alternatives like "lost its sharpness", "lost its competitive advantage", or "declined in prominence" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "lost its edge"?

Yes, "lost its edge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English. It is widely accepted and understood in various contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as having "lost its edge"?

When something has "lost its edge", it means it has become less effective, sharp, or competitive than it once was. It suggests a decline in quality, innovation, or advantage.