substantial loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial loss" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a large amount of something that has been lost or damaged. For example: "The company experienced a substantial loss in profits this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everything" makes a substantial loss.

The Guardian - Music

Several leaves damaged with substantial loss of text.

Yale University

Over a lifetime, that adds up to substantial loss.

Independent

If they don't, investors can withdraw their funds, sometimes with substantial loss of capital.

The New York Times

"I suspect that somebody is going to suffer a substantial loss," Mr. Belth said.

The New York Times

"Over five shifts in a week is a substantial loss of my tips," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But in all possible scenarios, our simulation exercises show a substantial loss of export trade".

The Guardian - Business

From 1932 to 1940, Citizen Publishing operated at a substantial loss.

Cornell University

So there's a substantial loss for everyone's utility except for the first generation.

Yale University

My heart goes out to her family and friends for their substantial loss.

The Guardian

This analysis revealed substantial loss of kinetic energy of hydrogen inside the carbon micropores.

Carbon

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial loss", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being lost (e.g., "a substantial loss of revenue" or "a substantial loss of biodiversity").

Common error

Avoid using "substantial loss" when a simpler term like "big loss" or "significant loss" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial loss" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It describes a significant reduction or deprivation of something tangible or intangible. Ludwig shows many instances where it signifies financial setbacks, resource depletion, or data attrition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial loss" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that indicates a significant reduction or deprivation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance. Its formality level ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for various writing contexts, especially in news, science, and academia. While synonyms exist, such as "significant deficit" or "major depletion", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the nature of the loss is crucial. Overuse in simplistic contexts should be avoided to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe reduction

Stresses the intensity and degree of the decrease.

marked decrease

Indicates a clear and easily observable reduction.

significant deficit

Emphasizes the resulting shortfall or deficiency.

notable decline

Highlights the downward trend or deterioration.

major depletion

Focuses on the reduction or exhaustion of a resource.

considerable forfeiture

Highlights the act of losing something, often implying a penalty.

serious detriment

Focuses on the harmful effect or damage resulting from the loss.

appreciable diminution

Emphasizes the reduction in size, extent, or importance.

significant wastage

Highlights the inefficient or careless loss of resources.

grave impairment

Focuses on the damaged or weakened state resulting from the loss.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial loss" to describe a significant reduction or deprivation of something. For example, "The company reported a substantial loss in profits" or "The region experienced a substantial loss of its forests".

What are some synonyms for "substantial loss"?

Alternatives to "substantial loss" include "significant deficit", "considerable forfeiture", or "major depletion", depending on the specific context.

Is "substantial loss" formal or informal?

"Substantial loss" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "big loss" might be preferred.

What's the difference between "substantial loss" and "significant loss"?

While "substantial" and "significant" are often interchangeable, "substantial loss" often implies a greater magnitude or impact than "significant loss". The choice between them depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.