potential loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"potential loss" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when discussing a possible outcome that could occur, typically with a negative connotation. For example: "There is a potential loss of revenue if the store closes early on Sundays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The terror of potential loss flooded in.

The New York Times

Mr. Barber, too, bemoans the potential loss of upstate farms.

The New York Times

"But," he said, "there is a potential loss of efficacy.

The New York Times

I mediated the chaos of potential loss by embracing it.

The New York Times

It's the potential loss of credibility with his team.

The New York Times

Commentators braced for a potential loss and its implications.

The New York Times - Sports

There's no question about that -- potential loss of lives, of our troops, our people, terrorist threats, potential loss of lives in the region, loss of life in Iraq.

The New York Times

Patsky said: "This staggering potential loss is only half of the story.

The Guardian

Dr. Beckwith said: "We at the institute are devastated by the potential loss of Hubble.

The New York Times

But Professor Poole said the potential loss of Enron's philanthropic presence was sad.

The New York Times

The potential loss of large financial companies is most worrisome to downtown and to city officials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "potential loss", quantify the potential impact whenever possible. Instead of saying "there's a potential loss", specify "there's a potential loss of $1 million" to provide context and gravity.

Common error

Avoid using "potential loss" generically. Consider if a more precise term like "risk", "decline", or "shortfall" better conveys the specific nature of the possible negative outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential loss" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a possible negative outcome or disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "potential loss" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a possible negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, consider using more specific terms when appropriate to enhance clarity. It's important to quantify and mitigate the impact whenever possible to show more depth. The prevalence of the phrase in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian attests to its reliability in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of losing

Highlights the element of risk involved in the possibility of a loss.

likely downside

Highlights the potential for a negative outcome or disadvantage.

chance of losing

Suggests a probabilistic outlook on the occurrence of a loss.

possible disadvantage

Emphasizes the negative aspect as a disadvantage rather than a definite loss.

possible negative impact

Focuses on the negative consequence or effect that may arise.

prospective detriment

More formal and emphasizes the harm or damage that might occur.

impending forfeiture

Indicates that the loss is imminent or about to happen.

conceivable forfeiture

Focuses on losing something due to a rule or circumstance.

threat of deprivation

Emphasizes the menacing aspect of being deprived of something.

future impairment

Highlights a future decline or weakening, suggesting a loss of function or value.

FAQs

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

You can use "potential loss" to describe a possible negative outcome. For example, "The company faces a "potential loss" of revenue if the new product fails".

What are some alternatives to "potential loss"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "possible disadvantage", "risk of losing", or "likely downside".

Is it better to say "potential loss" or "possible loss"?

Both "potential loss" and "possible loss" are correct, but "potential loss" is generally preferred in more formal contexts when emphasizing the inherent possibility of a negative outcome.

What's the difference between "potential loss" and "actual loss"?

"Potential loss" refers to a loss that might happen in the future, while "actual loss" refers to a loss that has already occurred.