Meaning & use
lose momentum
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrasefigurative
To slow down in progress, energy or success after a period of steady advance.
Grammar: The subject is the thing that slows: the campaign lost momentum. No object follows momentum.
Patterns
- something loses momentum
- lose momentum after something
The campaign lost momentum when its leader fell ill.
Our team lost momentum after scoring early in the match.
Don't take a long break, or you'll lose momentum on the project.
phrasefixed phrasephysicstechnical
In physics, to have less movement strength as speed or mass decreases, for example when friction slows a moving object.
Grammar: Used with objects as subject: the ball lost momentum as it rolled uphill.
Patterns
- something loses momentum due to something
The rolling ball lost momentum on the rough grass.
A car loses momentum quickly when the brakes are applied.
The wave lost momentum as it reached the shore.
Word forms
| third person singular | loses momentum |
|---|---|
| past tense | lost momentum |
| past participle | lost momentum |
| -ing form | losing momentum |
Common combinations
- begin to lose momentum
- The movement began to lose momentum after the first year.
- lose momentum quickly
- Diets often lose momentum quickly without support.
- lose momentum in the second half
- The team lost momentum in the second half.
- risk losing momentum
- We risk losing momentum if the funding is delayed.
- gain momentum
- The idea gained momentum online.
Synonyms and how they differ
- stall
- Stall means to stop completely or nearly, which is stronger than losing momentum.
- run out of steam
- Run out of steam is more informal and suggests tiredness or loss of energy.
- flag
- Flag is more formal and means to become weaker or tired, without the idea of previous forward motion.
- slow down
- Slow down is neutral and can be literal, while lose momentum implies earlier success.
Opposites
Word family
- momentum noun
- the strength or speed of forward movement
- gain momentum phrase
- to move faster or progress more strongly
- momentous adjective
- of great importance
- moment noun
- a very short time
Commonly confused: lose momentum or momentum / moment?
lose momentum vs momentum / moment
Momentum is the strength of movement or progress. Moment is a short time or a time of importance.
Practice
A charity campaign was exciting at first but became quiet after a few months. Which phrase fits?
Choose one answer.
Becoming quiet after an exciting start means progress slowed, which is 'lost momentum'. 'Gained' and 'kept' mean the opposite or no change.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lose momentum”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.