set to lose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set to lose" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is expected to experience a loss or defeat in a future event or situation. Example: "The team is set to lose the championship game if they don't improve their performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm set to lose €5m.

Independent

They are set to lose 12% of their net income.

The Guardian

Around 70 of them are set to lose their jobs.

The Guardian - Business

Losing the way they appeared set to lose was different.

The Guardian - Sport

Until the horrors of Gujarat, it was set to lose there too.

The Economist

Using standard accounting, the firm is set to lose money for the period.

The New York Times

The drug is set to lose its patent protection on Thursday.

The New York Times

Passengers, staff, and the taxpayer are all set to lose out".

Independent

And though Fianna Fail seems set to lose seats, it may not lose office.

The Economist

All these films look set to lose further screens and showtimes from this Friday.

The Guardian - Film

Worse, the RMT seems set to lose the moral high ground by striking again on Tuesday.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "set to lose" to clearly indicate an anticipated defeat or loss. Ensure the context provides enough information about what is being lost (e.g., a game, money, position).

Common error

Avoid using "set to lose" without specifying what is at stake. For instance, instead of just saying "They are set to lose", clarify "They are set to lose the competition" or "They are set to lose a significant amount of money".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set to lose" functions as a predictive idiom, indicating a high probability or expectation of experiencing a loss or defeat. This expression frames future outcomes based on current conditions or trends, as shown in Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set to lose" is a commonly used and grammatically correct idiom indicating an anticipated defeat or loss. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is primarily found in "News & Media" contexts and maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. While the phrase is clear, writers should ensure the subject of the loss is clearly specified. Alternative phrases like "likely to lose" and "expected to be defeated" can be used for variety, though they may carry slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

likely to be defeated

Replaces the idiomatic "set to" with the more direct "likely", focusing on the state of being defeated.

headed for a loss

Uses "headed for" to indicate direction and certainty regarding the loss.

expected to be beaten

Uses "expected" instead of "set", emphasizing the anticipation of defeat.

poised to be defeated

Uses "poised" to convey the idea of being in a position ready for defeat.

on track to fail

Shifts the focus to the process leading to failure, suggesting a trajectory.

on the verge of losing

Highlights the imminence of the loss, suggesting it is about to happen.

doomed to defeat

Implies a sense of inevitability, suggesting a preordained outcome of defeat.

predicted to be the loser

Emphasizes the prediction aspect, stating that someone is expected to be the loser.

facing imminent defeat

Highlights the impending nature of the defeat, suggesting it's close at hand.

in danger of failing

Focuses on the risk and possibility of failure, rather than a certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "set to lose" in a sentence?

You can use "set to lose" to indicate an expected defeat or loss. For example, "The team is set to lose if they don't improve their defense" or "The company is "poised to lose" a major contract".

What are some alternatives to "set to lose"?

Alternatives include "likely to lose", "expected to be defeated", or "doomed to defeat", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "set to lose"?

Yes, "set to lose" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiomatic phrase to express an anticipated loss or defeat.

What's the difference between "set to lose" and "about to lose"?

"Set to lose" implies a higher degree of certainty or expectation based on current circumstances, while "about to lose" suggests the loss is imminent but not necessarily certain.