profound loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"profound loss" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a deep feeling of grief or sorrow, especially in the context of a death or other tragedy. For example, you could say: "The family experienced a profound loss when their beloved grandmother passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What a profound loss.

The New York Times

And it's a profound loss.

The New York Times

This is a profound loss.

The New York Times

Alan's death is a profound loss".

The New York Times

What about cooking? A. Home cooking is the profound loss.

The New York Times

"But he came to the project with a profound loss".

The New York Times

The memorial service central to Yom Kippur evokes profound loss.

The New York Times

This is Julius's third profound loss in recent times.

The Guardian - Books

Being laid off "is a profound loss," Dr. Molitor said.

The New York Times

We are deeply saddened by this profound loss.

The New York Times

Our profound sympathies extend to Pat and the family at this time of profound loss.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profound loss", ensure the context clearly establishes what has been lost and why it is considered profound. Provide specific details to enhance the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "profound loss" to describe minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. Save it for situations involving genuine and significant grief, deprivation, or damage to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound loss" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or following a preposition. As shown by Ludwig AI, it denotes a significant and deeply felt deprivation or grief.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound loss" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a significant and deeply felt sense of grief, deprivation, or damage. As evidenced by the examples Ludwig AI provides, this phrase is grammatically correct and often appears in formal writing, particularly in the contexts of news and media, and scientific reporting. While it can be used in a variety of situations, it is important to reserve it for events involving genuine and significant loss to maintain its impact. Alternatives include phrases like "deep sense of grief" or "significant deprivation", depending on the specific context you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep sense of grief

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the loss, emphasizing the intensity of sadness.

immense sorrow

Emphasizes the intense feeling of sadness and grief.

significant deprivation

Highlights the absence or lack of something important that results from the loss.

serious bereavement

Specifically relates to the loss of a loved one through death.

irreplaceable absence

Focuses on the fact that what was lost cannot be replaced.

grave misfortune

Emphasizes the unfortunate and severe nature of the loss or event.

utter devastation

Highlights the extreme damage and emotional impact caused by the loss.

catastrophic setback

Focuses on the negative impact of the loss on progress or goals.

extreme adversity

Highlights the challenging and difficult circumstances resulting from the loss.

palpable void

Highlights the tangible sense of emptiness left by the loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound loss" to describe a deep sense of grief or deprivation. For example: "The family experienced a "profound loss" with the passing of their patriarch" or "The company suffered a "profound loss" when they lost their biggest client."

What are some alternatives to "profound loss"?

Alternatives to "profound loss" include "deep sense of grief", "significant deprivation", or "immense sorrow" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "profound loss" in formal writing?

Yes, "profound loss" is suitable for formal writing when describing a significant and deeply felt loss. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and professional communications.

What is the difference between "profound loss" and "great loss"?

While both phrases describe a significant loss, "profound loss" often implies a deeper emotional impact or more far-reaching consequences than "great loss". "Profound" suggests a more intensely felt or deeply affecting experience.