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lose ground

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lose ground (to someone or something)

to fall behind someone or something. I am losing ground to Wendy in the sales contest. We were losing ground to the opposite team in our quest for the trophy.

See also: ground, lose

lose ground

1. to become less successful The school allows young people to continue their education and not lose ground while in jail.

2. to become less valuable Stocks lost ground today despite good economic news.

Opposite of: gain ground

See also: ground, lose

lose ground

Fail to hold one's position; fall behind, deteriorate. For example, The Democrats were losing ground in this district, or We thought Grandma was getting better, but now she's quickly losing ground. This expression originally referred to territory lost by a retreating army. [Second half of 1700s]

See also: ground, lose