lost its luster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost its luster" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has lost its appeal or value. For example: Once the hottest tourist destination, the beach has lost its luster now that the waters are polluted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It's lost its luster," said a former Goldman analyst who left the financial sector this year.

The New York Times

That awesomeness quickly lost its luster, however, like the "It's a Small World" ride after the first 15 seconds.

Science Magazine

While not particularly scratched, this marble has lost its luster and doesn't shine as it did when new.

The New York Times

"It is a diamond that had lost its luster.

Los Angeles Times

The very idea of government — namely what it can do for its citizens — has lost its luster.

The New York Times

It's no secret that air travel has lost its luster.

The New York Times

Engineering lost its luster.

The New York Times

Goldman Sachs has lost its luster.

The New York Times

Hollywood, for him, had lost its luster.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's not that the science has lost its luster--just the part that entails doing it.

Science Magazine

But jailhouse conversion to Christianity lost its luster, and Burns bought his way to freedom.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost its luster" to convey that something once highly regarded is now less impressive or desirable. This phrase is suitable for describing trends, reputations, or even personal relationships that have diminished in appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "lost its luster" when referring to a sudden or abrupt failure. The phrase implies a gradual decline, not an immediate collapse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost its luster" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe the state of a subject that has declined in appeal or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and common in English, often used to describe intangible attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "lost its luster" is a common and grammatically correct English phrase used to describe something that has declined in appeal or importance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is broadly accepted and versatile, fitting into various contexts from news reporting to casual conversation. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase serves to communicate a sense of disappointment or waning value. The guidance provided emphasizes using the phrase to denote a gradual decline, avoiding its application to sudden failures. Related phrases, such as "lost its appeal" or "faded in popularity", offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression. With its established usage and clear communicative purpose, "lost its luster" remains a valuable tool in the English lexicon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost its appeal

Directly states the loss of attractiveness or interest.

lost its shine

Metaphorically describes the loss of attractiveness or novelty.

lost its charm

Focuses on the loss of pleasant or attractive qualities.

faded in appeal

Emphasizes the gradual decline in attractiveness or interest.

became less attractive

Focuses on the reduction in physical or metaphorical attractiveness.

waned in popularity

Highlights the decrease in public approval or acceptance.

diminished in significance

Suggests a reduction in importance or relevance.

decline in prominence

Indicates a decrease in visibility or standing.

become stale

Suggests a loss of freshness or originality.

deteriorated in quality

Indicates a decline in the standard or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost its luster" to describe something that was once appealing but is no longer so. For example, "The movie franchise had "lost its luster" after a series of poorly received sequels."

What are some alternatives to saying "lost its luster"?

Alternatives include "lost its appeal", "faded in popularity", or "declined in prominence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "lost its luster" in formal writing?

Yes, "lost its luster" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing trends, reputations, or the decline of something over time. Its usage is widespread in news and media.

What's the difference between "lost its luster" and "lost its shine"?

While similar, "lost its luster" suggests a more profound decline in appeal or importance. "Lost its shine" is often used in a more literal or superficial sense, while "lost its luster" implies a deeper loss of value or prestige.