personal loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the emotional impact or grief experienced due to the death or absence of someone close or significant in one's life. Example: "After the passing of her grandmother, she struggled to cope with her personal loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is a terrible personal loss".

The New York Times

Please respect my decision while I mourn my personal loss".

The New York Times

He also suffered a personal loss: his sister died.

The New York Times - Arts

But does he feel any sense of impending personal loss?

The Guardian - Sport

Howells's personal loss in 1935 also inspired the work.

The New York Times - Arts

It is only personal loss that touches them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes those figures measure nothing but plain, personal loss.

The New Yorker

Yet despite his personal loss, his arrival was otherwise timely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was another agonizing personal loss for a climber's family.

The New York Times

The Stoic's philosophy proves hollow when he experiences personal loss.

Encyclopedia Britannica

About a month ago, I experienced a personal loss, the end of a long-term relationship.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "personal loss", consider the audience and the purpose of your writing. Be sensitive and respectful, especially when discussing sensitive topics like death or grief. Choose language that conveys empathy and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using generic phrases or clichés when discussing "personal loss". Instead of saying something like "I know how you feel", which can minimize the individual's experience, offer specific support and acknowledge their unique grief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes an experience of deprivation or grief that is unique to an individual. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe experiences ranging from the death of a loved one to the end of a significant relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal loss" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the experience of grief or deprivation unique to an individual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its use in reporting on events that cause sorrow or hardship. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, sensitivity and empathy are important when discussing "personal loss" in writing, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. It is useful to avoid clichés and generic phrases. Alternatives, such as "individual bereavement" or "private grief", can provide nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual bereavement

Focuses on the bereavement experienced by an individual.

private grief

Highlights the intimate and secluded nature of the sorrow.

family tragedy

Emphasizes the tragic nature of the loss within a family context.

felt absence

Underscores the sensation of someone or something missing.

deep sorrow

Indicates the intensity and profoundness of the sadness.

grievous harm

Shifts the focus to the damaging effect of the loss.

emotional suffering

Highlights the distress and anguish caused by the loss.

bitter disappointment

Refers to the frustrating aspect of the loss.

untimely death

Specifies that the loss occurred prematurely.

significant deprivation

Focuses on being denied something important.

FAQs

How can I express sympathy for someone's "personal loss"?

You can express sympathy by saying things like "I'm so sorry for your loss", "My thoughts are with you", or "I'm here for you if you need anything". Offer practical help if possible.

What's the difference between "personal loss" and "bereavement"?

"Personal loss" is a broader term that can refer to any significant loss in a person's life, including the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job. "Bereavement" specifically refers to the state of grief after the death of someone close.

When is it appropriate to use the term "personal loss"?

It is appropriate to use the term "personal loss" when discussing any significant loss that has a deep emotional impact on an individual. This can include the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or any other significant life change.

What are some less formal ways to describe a "personal loss"?

Less formal ways to describe a "personal loss" could include saying someone is "going through a tough time", has "experienced a setback", or is "dealing with a difficult situation" depending on the context.