tragic loss

USAGE SUMMARY

"tragic loss" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an event or situation that was very sad and caused a lot of grief. Example sentence: The families of the victims experienced a tragic loss after the devastating earthquake.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was a tragic loss.

Independent

Another tragic loss.

The Guardian - Sport

Tragic loss of life".

The Guardian

After her tragic loss.

The New Yorker

Their tragic loss has hurt the group.

Independent

Tragic loss," said Jonah Hill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's really a tragic loss," he said.

The New York Times

His death is a tragic loss.

The New York Times

"Such a tragic loss," he added.

The Guardian

What a tragic loss," she wrote.

The Guardian

"This is a tragic loss," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the desired tone when choosing "tragic loss". In some contexts, a more subdued or formal alternative like "unfortunate demise" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "tragic loss" repeatedly in sensationalized news or media coverage. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make the writing seem emotionally manipulative. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "devastating loss" or "heartbreaking loss" to maintain a sense of genuine empathy without sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tragic loss" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "tragic" modifies the noun "loss", emphasizing the unfortunate and sorrowful nature of the event. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often serves to evoke sympathy or express condolences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tragic loss" is a commonly used phrase to describe a deeply unfortunate and sorrowful event. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for both formal and informal contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media to convey empathy and acknowledge suffering. While versatile, it's important to consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase's emotional weight is appropriate, and to avoid overuse. Alternatives like "devastating loss" or "heartbreaking loss" can offer variety while maintaining the intended sentiment. By understanding its nuances, writers can effectively use "tragic loss" to express grief and acknowledge the impact of unfortunate events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating loss

Replaces "tragic" with "devastating", emphasizing the overwhelming impact of the loss.

grievous loss

Uses "grievous" to highlight the severity and painful nature of the loss.

heartbreaking loss

Substitutes "tragic" with "heartbreaking", focusing on the emotional pain and sorrow caused by the loss.

lamentable loss

Replaces "tragic" with "lamentable", suggesting a loss that is regrettable and mourned.

unfortunate demise

Uses a more formal term, "demise", instead of "loss", and "unfortunate" instead of "tragic", to describe a death or end.

untimely death

Focuses on the premature nature of the death, implying it happened sooner than expected.

catastrophic death

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the death, suggesting widespread consequences.

bitter sorrow

Shifts the focus from the loss itself to the intense feeling of sorrow it evokes.

deep bereavement

Highlights the state of mourning and grief experienced after the loss.

irreparable harm

Emphasizes the lasting and irreversible damage caused by the loss.

FAQs

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

"Tragic loss" is typically used to describe a deeply unfortunate event that causes significant grief. For example, "The community mourned the tragic loss of the firefighters".

What can I say instead of "tragic loss"?

You can use alternatives like "devastating loss", "heartbreaking loss", or "grievous loss" depending on the context.

Is "tragic loss" formal or informal?

"Tragic loss" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "unfortunate demise" may be preferred in highly formal situations.

What makes a loss "tragic"?

A loss is considered "tragic" when it is deeply unfortunate, untimely, and causes significant suffering or sorrow. It often involves elements of injustice or extreme sadness.