lost steam

USAGE SUMMARY

"lost steam" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which enthusiasm or momentum has been lost. For example: After a strong start, the project quickly lost steam and eventually failed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First Dude lost steam next.

The New York Times - Sports

Stocks lost steam later in the session.

The New York Times

America's economy lost steam throughout the summer.

The Economist

Like he'd lost steam crawling out.

The New Yorker

Slowly, however, the enterprise lost steam.

The Guardian - Arts

The economy lost steam in the first quarter.

The New York Times

But that effort seems to have lost steam.

The New York Times

But the Tories have since lost steam, direction and popularity.

The Economist

Since then, the probe appears to have lost steam.

The Washington Post

Then, to the disappointment of investors, the stocks lost steam.

The New York Times

As an engine that drives fashion, film may have lost steam.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lost steam" to describe situations where initial enthusiasm or energy has diminished over time. For instance, a political campaign might "lose steam" if it fails to maintain public interest.

Common error

Avoid attributing "lost steam" solely to external factors; consider internal elements like poor planning or lack of adaptation. For example, don't just blame the market if a product "lost steam"; analyze whether the marketing strategy was flawed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost steam" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe the state of something that has diminished in energy, enthusiasm, or momentum. This is consistent with Ludwig's analysis, as shown in the numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lost steam" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a decline in momentum, enthusiasm, or energy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and business contexts, the phrase serves to communicate a reduction in force or progress. When using "lost steam", consider the underlying causes of the decline to avoid misattributions, and be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase's neutral tone is appropriate. If a more formal tone is required, consider alternatives such as "declined in momentum". Several alternatives exist that change the semantic focus, such as "slowed down" or "faded out".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Lost momentum

Directly relates to a decrease in forward movement or progress.

Slowed down

Indicates a decrease in speed or pace.

Tapered off

Indicates a gradual decrease in rate or intensity.

Waned

Suggests a decrease in size, strength, or intensity, often over time.

Slacked off

Implies a reduction in effort or activity.

Faded out

Implies a gradual disappearance or decline in intensity.

Ran out of energy

Highlights a depletion of power or enthusiasm.

Dwindled

Emphasizes a gradual reduction in number or amount.

Subsided

Suggests a calming down or lessening of intensity.

Became less effective

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

FAQs

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

You can use "lost steam" to describe something that has diminished in energy or enthusiasm. For example, "The project "lost steam" after the initial funding ran out."

What are some alternatives to "lost steam"?

Alternatives to "lost steam" include "faded out", "waned", or "slowed down", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "lost steam" in formal writing?

"Lost steam" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing projects, initiatives, or trends. However, consider more formal alternatives like "declined in momentum" for highly academic or technical writing.

What causes something to "lose steam"?

Something can "lose steam" due to various factors such as lack of resources, decreased interest, internal conflicts, or external challenges. Recognizing these factors can help prevent a project or initiative from "losing momentum".