lost ground
Ceded territory, figuratively
Lost ground is territory that has been given up or surrendered, especially in military contexts: The army lost ground to advancing enemy forces.
More often the phrase is figurative, describing a setback in competition, progress, or standing: The candidate lost ground in the polls, She lost ground to her rivals while recovering from injury.
The opposite is gained ground.
- retreatedMoved backward from advance
- gave wayFailed to hold
- recessionProlonged economic decline
- declineDecrease or refuse
- slipped backReturned to previous state
fell behind · encroachment · defeat · surrender · erosion · setback · reversal · contraction · slippage · market share · downturn · competitive edge · misstep · backslide · withdrawal · cede · marginalization · vulnerability
lost groundmade progress
advanced · moved forward · made headway · progressed · forged ahead
lost groundpulled ahead
Gained the lead
took the lead · outpaced · overtook · surpassed · leapfrogged
lost, ground, lose, loses, losing, loser, losers, loss, losses