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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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potential gain lost

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potential gain lost" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing missed opportunities or benefits that could have been realized. For example: "The decision to delay the project resulted in a significant potential gain lost." Alternative expressions include "missed opportunity" and "foregone benefit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These values concur with the trends seen in the Top100 values but give a more direct indication of the potential amount of genetic gain lost because of using fewer TD per lactation.

"Whether workers can ever recuperate the potential wage gains lost since 2007 is uncertain, especially if labour productivity growth remains weak," said Stefano Scarpetta, OECD director for employment, labour and social affairs.

News & Media

The Guardian

Union members were beginning to see any potential gains wiped out by lost wages.

News & Media

The New York Times

Tell the assailant "don't do this to yourself" implying that the assailant has more to lose than you, or the potential gain.

A total of six cue types (Win $0.00, Win $0.50, Win $5.00, Lose $0.00, Lose $0.50, and Lose $5.00) explicitly stated whether each trial was a potential gain or loss trial, as well as the amount of money at stake.

In deciding whether to make each pump, the participant must balance the potential gain of accruing more money against the potential risk of losing all money accrued for that balloon [ 71].

According to the scientists, however, the act of playing the game leads people to "encode" the potential gain as an actual gain, which means they start worrying about losing it.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Unless, with help from the rich countries and from each other, they can find ways to integrate into the international economy, much of the potential gains from globalisation will be lost.

News & Media

The Economist

To him we cannot answer 'Tomorrow.' His name is today". From a child's birth until age three, we have only a thousand days to help build their brains and chart the course for a lifetime of learning, making every day that passes a potential opportunity lost or gained.

News & Media

HuffPost

The economics term is "opportunity cost": When you choose one alternative, you might get the gains from choosing that alternative, but you lose the potential gains you might have had from the choosing another alternative.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Ker et al. [157] have estimated that the Achilles tendon and tendons in the arch of the foot can store 35% and 17%, respectively, of the kinetic and potential energy gained and lost in a step while running at moderate speed.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase works best when you can quantify or clearly explain the value of what was "potential gain lost".

Common error

Avoid using "potential gain lost" in casual conversation; it sounds too formal and stiff. Simpler phrases like "missed out" or "lost the chance" are more appropriate for informal settings.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential gain lost" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a sentence or clause. It refers to a missed opportunity for profit or benefit. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is grammatically correct, although examples are limited.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "potential gain lost" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe missed opportunities for profit or benefit. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, examples are scarce, indicating relatively low frequency. Its use is most appropriate in formal and professional settings, particularly when discussing business, finance, or scientific strategy. Alternatives include ""missed opportunity"" and ""foregone benefit"". When using this phrase, ensure you quantify or clearly explain the value of what was lost and avoid overuse in informal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "potential gain lost" in a sentence?

You can use "potential gain lost" to describe a missed opportunity for profit or benefit, such as, "The company's failure to invest in new technology resulted in a significant "missed opportunity" and a substantial "potential gain lost".

What are some alternatives to "potential gain lost"?

Alternatives include "missed opportunity", "foregone benefit", or "unrealized profit", depending on the specific context.

Is "potential gain lost" grammatically correct?

Yes, "potential gain lost" is grammatically correct, although it might sound somewhat formal or technical. It's often used in business or financial contexts.

What's the difference between "potential gain lost" and "opportunity cost"?

"Potential gain lost" refers to the specific profit or benefit that was not realized, while "opportunity cost" refers to the value of the next best alternative that was not chosen. They are related but not interchangeable.

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Most frequent sentences: