lost position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has lost their job, status, or standing in a particular context. Example: "After the company downsized, many employees found themselves in a lost position, unsure of their next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

So I immediately lost position to Jenson.

The New York Times - Sports

He lost position with his penalty and could no longer attack for the victory.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, 22... Ne4, jettisoning two pawns in order to castle, led to a lost position.

The New York Times

But he lost position to Webber as the two cars exited the first corner.

The New York Times - Sports

Rosberg got off to a perfect start, while behind him, Hamilton lost position to Vettel before the first corner.

The New York Times - Sports

The three passed each other in separate battles on the track, then lost position, exchanging places several times.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"To win, it is necessary to accept lost positions," he said.

The New York Times

I also use Trisolute, which alerts us when our stories are ranking in search and when they have lost positioning.

The New York Times - Tech

Some, like Portland and New York, have added almost no new jobs; others like San Francisco, Boston and Chicago have actually lost positions over the past decade.

Forbes

"I wanted to recover the lost positions but touched Daniel Ricciardo's front wing when I overtook him.

BBC

The main beneficiaries are those who will now regain lost positions - Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, David Luiz, Lucas Leiva and Ramires for Brazil for example.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost position" to denote a decline in status or influence. Be mindful of the tone and context. In situations where the loss is significant, consider using more emphatic phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "lost position" when simply referring to something misplaced. This phrase implies a competitive hierarchy or strategic advantage that has been forfeited, so do not use it to refer to just losing objects; use "lost" or "misplaced" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost position" functions as a verb + noun construction, where "lost" is the past tense of the verb "lose", and "position" is a noun indicating a place, rank, or status. It describes the action of losing a previously held place or status. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost position" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a decline in rank, status, or standing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as supported by Ludwig, this phrase effectively conveys a setback or disadvantage in competitive scenarios. While alternatives like "fell behind" or "ceded ground" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using "lost position" when referring to simply misplacing objects. In sum, understanding the appropriate context ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lost lead

Specifically refers to the loss of a leading position, often in a competition.

fell behind

Implies a failure to maintain pace or progress, resulting in a lower position.

ceded ground

Focuses on the act of giving up or yielding a physical or metaphorical space or advantage.

dropped back

Indicates a regression in ranking or order, often used in competitive contexts.

relinquished place

Emphasizes the act of voluntarily giving up a specific spot or rank.

slipped down

Suggests a gradual decline in position or status.

forfeited rank

Highlights the involuntary loss of a position, often due to a rule violation or mistake.

gave way

Conveys the act of being overtaken or displaced by another entity.

surrendered advantage

Focuses on the act of giving up a beneficial state or strategic edge.

yielded precedence

Highlights the act of allowing someone else to take a higher rank or priority.

FAQs

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

You can use "lost position" to describe a decline in rank, status, or standing. For instance, "The team "lost position" in the standings after their defeat" or "The company "lost position" in the market due to new competition".

What are some alternatives to "lost position"?

Some alternatives to "lost position" include "ceded ground", "fell behind", or "dropped back", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "lost a position" instead of "lost position"?

While "lost a position" can be grammatically correct, it often refers to losing a job or role. "Lost position" typically refers to a decline in ranking or status within a competition or hierarchy. The best choice depends on the specific context you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "lost position" and "lost lead"?

"Lost position" is a general term for declining in rank or status, whereas "lost lead" specifically refers to losing a leading or front-running spot in a competition. Thus, "lost lead" is a more specific case of "lost position".