Meaning & use
losing momentum
Last updated
“losing momentum” is a form of “lose momentum”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Gradually losing speed, energy, or progress, so that something is becoming weaker or slower.
Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the base form is 'lose momentum'.
Patterns
- be losing momentum
- start losing momentum
The campaign is losing momentum after the recent scandal.
The team was losing momentum in the second half.
Economic growth is losing momentum due to higher interest rates.
Word forms
| base form | lose momentum |
|---|---|
| past tense | lost momentum |
| past participle | lost momentum |
| -ing form | losing momentum |
Common combinations
- lose momentum
- The project lost momentum after the manager left.
- gain momentum
- The protest movement gained momentum quickly.
- maintain momentum
- It's important to maintain momentum throughout the season.
Synonyms and how they differ
- slow down
- More general; it can refer to physical speed, while 'lose momentum' often refers to progress or support.
- lose steam
- Informal; similar meaning but often used for enthusiasm or energy rather than progress.
Opposites
Commonly confused: losing momentum or momentous?
losing momentum vs momentous
An adjective meaning very important; 'momentum' is a noun meaning force or progress.
Practice
Choose the best completion: 'After three wins, the team started ______ momentum and lost the next two games.'
Choose one answer.
'Losing' is the correct -ing form of 'lose'. 'Loosing' means releasing, 'losen' is not a word, and 'loss' is a noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “losing momentum”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.