significant losses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant losses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a considerable decrease in value, quantity, or performance, often in financial or business contexts. Example: "The company reported significant losses in the last quarter, prompting a review of its operational strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are on the path to very significant losses!" What?

The New York Times

"THE aggressor has been punished; its armed forces have suffered significant losses and are disorganised".

The Economist

They are significant losses in our schools".

The Guardian

Those investors could face significant losses.

The New York Times

The National Coalition Party finished a close second, while the Social Democrats suffered significant losses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

State officials at all levels have been told to guard against significant losses.

The New York Times

The team contacted the Graham Center after it sustained significant losses during Hurricane Sandy.

The New York Times - Arts

Many AAA mortgage bonds suffered significant losses when large numbers of subprime mortgages went sour.

The New York Times

As long ago as 1965, Citibank faced significant losses in its Brussels branch because of a risk-loving trader.

The Economist

Up to 125,000 are thought to be affected, and 80,000 of them have suffered significant losses.

The Economist

Its New York prospectus had to admit it risked "significant" losses if Russia's taxmen challenged its transfer prices.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial performance, quantify "significant losses" with specific figures to provide context and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "significant losses" hyperbolically. Reserve it for situations where the losses are genuinely substantial and impactful, not merely a minor setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant losses" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "losses". As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant losses" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe substantial reductions in value, quantity, or performance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using "significant losses", quantify the losses whenever possible to enhance clarity and impact. Avoid overuse in sensationalized contexts, and be mindful of the context to choose the most appropriate alternative, such as "substantial losses" or "considerable setbacks".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious impairments

Implies a substantial damaging or weakening effect.

grave detriments

Emphasizes the serious and harmful consequences of the losses.

severe reductions

Stresses the magnitude and intensity of the decreases.

considerable setbacks

Emphasizes the hindering effect or impediment resulting from the losses.

major declines

Highlights the downward trend or decrease in quantity or quality.

major shortfalls

Focuses on the lack or insufficiency, especially in a financial or resource context.

substantial deficits

Focuses specifically on financial shortfalls or debts incurred.

noticeable impairments

Points out the observable damage or weakening resulting from the losses.

marked diminutions

Implies a clear and distinct decrease in size, extent, or importance.

striking disadvantages

Highlights the prominent and impactful drawbacks or weaknesses caused.

FAQs

How can I use "significant losses" in a sentence?

You can use "significant losses" to describe substantial reductions in value, quantity, or performance. For example: "The company reported "significant losses" due to decreased sales".

What are some alternatives to "significant losses"?

Alternatives include "substantial losses", "major declines", or "considerable setbacks", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "significant loss" instead of "significant losses"?

While "significant loss" can refer to a single important loss, "significant losses" usually refers to multiple instances or an aggregate of substantial reductions. Choose the correct form based on the context.

What's the difference between "significant losses" and "marginal losses"?

"Significant losses" indicates considerable and impactful detriments, whereas "marginal losses" suggests small, almost negligible reductions. The key difference is the magnitude of the impact.