suffer a loss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suffer a loss" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to physical or financial losses. You can use this phrase in any type of formal or informal writing. For example: "After the storm, the farmers suffered a great loss when their crops were destroyed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I can give them back and not suffer a loss".

The Guardian - Opinion

They suddenly feel deskilled and suffer a loss of confidence.

The Guardian

Without grazing herbivores, grasslands suffer a loss of biodiversity and slowly turn into forests.

Cornell University

No concert series would suffer a loss of quality if more of their work were included.

The New Yorker

You suffer a loss, and then an embarrassment, then repeat, ad infinitum.

The New Yorker

If they ever suffer a loss, that would be pretty catastrophic".

The Guardian - Tech

In contrast, students who became economics majors did not suffer a loss of innocence.

The New York Times

One worry is that they may not pay out, even when bondholders suffer a loss.

The New York Times

The solar cells suffer a loss of performance of up to 58% for oblique illumination.

Solar Energy

So has it done enough with today's issue to ensure that it doesn't suffer a loss of readers?

The Guardian

American civil society would truly suffer a loss if "Nightline" were not to continue its tradition of excellence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "suffer a loss", clearly specify what was lost (e.g., "suffer a loss of revenue", "suffer a loss of confidence").

Common error

While "suffer a loss" is appropriate for tangible items or quantifiable metrics, consider using more nuanced vocabulary when describing emotional or psychological distress. Alternatives such as "experience grief" or "struggle with disappointment" may provide a more sensitive portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "suffer a loss" functions as a verbal phrase where "suffer" acts as the verb and "a loss" is the direct object. It describes the action of experiencing a detriment or disadvantage. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it's widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "suffer a loss" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe experiencing a detriment, whether financial, physical, or emotional. As noted by Ludwig, it is widely used and generally considered correct. When employing this phrase, be sure to specify the nature of the loss and consider alternative expressions like "incur a loss" or "sustain a loss" depending on the intended nuance. Although versatile, avoid overusing "suffer a loss" in emotional contexts where more nuanced vocabulary might be more appropriate. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various settings, from formal news reports to casual conversations. The phrase appears frequently in news and academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incur a loss

This alternative emphasizes the action of bringing about or becoming subject to a loss, often in a financial or business context.

sustain a loss

This phrase highlights the endurance of the loss, suggesting a lasting negative impact.

experience a setback

This option softens the negative connotation, focusing on a temporary hindrance or delay in progress.

undergo a depletion

This alternative is more specific to the reduction of resources or quantities.

face a deficit

This phrase is suitable in situations involving financial shortfalls or imbalances.

bear a deprivation

This suggests enduring the lack of something essential or desired.

endure a hardship

This highlights the difficulty and struggle associated with experiencing a loss.

suffer a reverse

This phrase is used to talk about an event that delays your progress or success.

encounter a misfortune

This phrase is used to talk about an event that causes unhappiness.

meet with adversity

This emphasizes the confrontational aspect of dealing with negative circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "suffer a loss" to describe various situations where someone experiences a detriment. For example, "The company "suffered a loss" in profits due to the economic downturn" or "The team "suffered a loss" when their star player was injured".

What are some alternatives to "suffer a loss"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "incur a loss", "sustain a loss", "experience a setback", or "face a deficit".

Is it correct to say "suffer from a loss"?

While "suffer a loss" is more common, "suffer from a loss" can be used, especially when emphasizing the negative consequences resulting from the loss. However, "suffer a loss" is generally more direct and concise.

What's the difference between "suffer a loss" and "experience a loss"?

"Suffer a loss" often implies a more negative or detrimental experience, while "experience a loss" can be more neutral. For instance, "suffer a loss" is more suitable for financial or physical damages, whereas "experience a loss" can also apply to personal or emotional situations.