overwhelming loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or profound sense of grief or defeat, often in contexts related to personal experiences, sports, or events. Example: "The team faced an overwhelming loss in the championship game, leaving the players and fans heartbroken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Above all, scholars reacted as mourners struggling with an overwhelming loss.

The New York Times

However, after staking his campaign on a win in Indiana, Cruz suffered an overwhelming loss in the Hoosier State.

The Guardian

One started crying, a rare release in a city grimly stoic about the overwhelming loss of life.

The New York Times

"Tonight is a victory for every child and every family in this state, yet now, just hours before the anniversary of our overwhelming loss, our celebration is tempered," Mr. McCall told supporters at the Grand Hyatt New York in Midtown.

The New York Times

It was beautiful, not because the man is beautiful, but because he represents something deep inside the collective consciousness of the Armenian community: a celebratory resilience in the face of overwhelming loss.

The Guardian - Arts

We can expect that the president will either accept his resignation or ask Renzi to stay, but the prime minister's overwhelming loss, with about 60% of Italians rejecting the proposed changes, mean he is most likely leaving Palazzo Chigi.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

And despite the overwhelming losses, the players kept returning.

The New York Times

A rebel group claimed on Facebook to have "liberated the border crossing with Israel" and to have "inflicted overwhelming losses" on the Syrian Army, destroying four of its tanks.

The New York Times

The Conservatives have suffered two successive overwhelming losses to Labor, and they are struggling to regain momentum and overcome continual internal feuding.

The New York Times

These lessons were driven home in the Tet offensive of 1968, when North Vietnamese regulars and Communist guerrillas, the Vietcong, attacked scores of military targets and provincial capitals throughout South Vietnam, only to be thrown back with overwhelming losses.

The New York Times

Like many of his neighbours, Andraj spent months living in relief camps, and recently returned home to overwhelming losses.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overwhelming loss", consider the specific context to choose more descriptive language that conveys the exact nature and impact of the loss. For instance, use "devastating loss" when referring to emotional impact or "significant deprivation" for material losses.

Common error

While "overwhelming loss" is acceptable, frequent use can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "profound loss" or "crushing defeat" to maintain reader engagement and provide a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming loss" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" is an adjective modifying the noun "loss". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase describes a significant or profound feeling of grief or defeat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overwhelming loss" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively communicates a significant sense of grief or defeat. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides various examples across news, science, and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, consider the specific context to choose the most fitting synonym, such as "profound loss" or "devastating loss", and be mindful of overusing it in formal writing to maintain reader engagement. Understanding its function and purpose ensures clear and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound loss

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the loss.

devastating loss

Highlights the destructive and emotionally damaging nature of the loss.

crushing defeat

Focuses on the feeling of being completely overcome by failure.

immense grief

Highlights the intensity and magnitude of sorrow experienced.

significant deprivation

Emphasizes the lack of something essential.

grievous bereavement

Highlights the pain and sorrow of losing a loved one, often in a formal context.

catastrophic setback

Focuses on the disastrous consequences and hindrance caused by the loss.

major forfeiture

Emphasizes the act of losing or giving up something of value.

tremendous privation

Highlights the severe lack of basic necessities or comforts.

radical dispossession

Emphasizes being deprived of possessions, rights, or status in a fundamental way.

FAQs

How can I use "overwhelming loss" in a sentence?

You can use "overwhelming loss" to describe a significant sense of grief or defeat. For example, "The community mourned the overwhelming loss of lives in the earthquake."

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming loss"?

Alternatives include "profound loss", "devastating loss", or "crushing defeat", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an overwhelming loss" or "a overwhelming loss"?

It is correct to say "an overwhelming loss". The article "an" is used because "overwhelming" begins with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "overwhelming loss" and "overwhelming sense of loss"?

"Overwhelming loss" refers to the event or situation causing the grief, while "overwhelming sense of loss" describes the feeling or emotion experienced as a result of that event. They are closely related but emphasize different aspects.