steep loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "steep loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or sharp decrease in value, quantity, or quality, often in financial or statistical contexts. Example: "The company reported a steep loss in revenue this quarter due to unexpected market changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The Boston Globe: sold at a steep loss.

The New York Times

Merrill sold the investments at a steep loss.

The New York Times

Or sell the loan at a steep loss.

The New York Times

Racetracks facing a steep loss of customers have increasingly added casinos.

The New York Times

Now, it is seeking more bank loans after reporting a steep loss for its fiscal second quarter.

The New York Times

Knight and its advisers spent the last five days seeking out a rescuer, after it disclosed its steep loss.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

As the mortgage market collapsed, they suffered steep losses.

The New York Times

Continental Airlines and United Airlines followed American Airlines by chalking up steep losses.

The Economist

Uruguay's bonds have recouped some of their steep losses.

The Economist

But the bank has suffered steep losses in connection with the housing crisis.

The New York Times

But they were consistent with the steep losses posted on the first two days of this week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial performance, quantify the "steep loss" with specific figures to provide clarity and impact. For example, instead of just saying "the company suffered a steep loss", state "the company suffered a steep loss of $5 million this quarter."

Common error

Avoid using "steep loss" to describe minor or recoverable setbacks. "Steep loss" implies a significant and potentially lasting negative impact, not just a temporary dip. Consider using weaker terms for minor issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "steep loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It typically refers to a significant and rapid decline in value, quantity, or quality, as evidenced by the Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "steep loss" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a significant and rapid decline in value, quantity, or quality. As the Ludwig AI information confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in science and business domains. While the phrase is generally neutral to professional in tone, it's essential to use it accurately to reflect the severity of a situation. For example, quantify the loss with specific numbers and figures, if you have them, rather than just saying "steep loss". Consider alternatives such as "sharp decrease" or "significant decline" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. When employing "steep loss", remember it indicates a substantial impact, not a trivial matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sharp decrease

Similar to "steep loss" but focuses more on the rapid rate of reduction; implies a sudden and noticeable drop.

significant decline

Emphasizes the reduction in quantity or quality; more general than "steep loss" and can apply to various contexts.

substantial deficit

Indicates a significant shortfall, usually in financial terms; differs in that it specifies the amount is below zero.

marked reduction

Highlights the notability or visibility of the decrease; implies the change is easily observed or measured.

considerable downturn

Highlights a negative trend over time; emphasizes the change rather than the absolute amount.

major setback

Focuses on the hindrance or obstacle created by the loss; implies a delay or reversal of progress.

severe depletion

Indicates a significant reduction in resources or reserves; suggests a potentially unsustainable situation.

heavy blow

Emphasizes the negative impact or shock caused by the loss; suggests a difficult situation or hardship.

material erosion

Focuses on the gradual but significant wearing away or decline of something, often in a metaphorical sense.

radical diminution

Highlights how something has become smaller in terms of size, strength, or importance, often to an extreme degree.

FAQs

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

You can use "steep loss" to describe a significant decline in value, quantity, or quality. For example: "The company reported a "steep loss" in revenue this quarter" or "The investment resulted in a "steep loss" for the shareholders".

What are some alternatives to "steep loss"?

Alternatives to "steep loss" include "sharp decrease", "significant decline", or "substantial deficit", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "steep loss" and "minor setback"?

"Steep loss" implies a substantial and potentially irreversible negative impact, while a "minor setback" suggests a temporary and less significant obstacle. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the severity of the situation.

Is "steep loss" appropriate for describing emotional setbacks?

While "steep loss" is typically used in financial or quantifiable contexts, it can be metaphorically extended to describe a significant emotional or personal setback. However, consider whether a more direct emotional term like "profound disappointment" or "grievous blow" might be more fitting.