Synonyms of lose ground

lose ground

phrase

as in withdraw

to move back or away (as from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable)

We need a new strategy because we keep losing ground to the other team.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• withdraw
• retreat
• fall back
• drop back
• give ground
• pull out
• retire
• back away
• give way
• recede
• flee
• evacuate
• fly
• shrink
• pull away
• back down
• chicken (out)
• leave
• climb down
• recoil
• flinch
• bow out
• detach
• go
• abandon
• depart
• backtrack
• disengage
• disentangle
• vacate
• quit
• backpedal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• advance
• face
• breast
• confront
• brave
• dare
• beard
• defy
• outbrave
• brazen

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lose ground

His remarks reflect a desire by the administration to bolster the US’ nascent open-source industry, which is increasingly concerned about losing ground to China. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 15 July 2026

The country has been losing ground on work and pay for 25 years. — Stephen Bagwell, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Soon, however, downtown retailers began to lose ground to newer, more modern shopping centers such as Colonial Plaza and Western Way. — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026

Republicans have only slim majorities in Congress, and the party in power normally loses ground in the midterms. — ABC News, 30 June 2026