lose ground

1. 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]

Example Sentences

But he is worried that Indian exporters may lose ground to African competitors who offer similar quality products at lower prices.

From BBC

In general terms, the pendulum effect familiar from American politics, where the party in power tends to lose ground in off-year elections, also applies across the pond.

From Salon

Bompastor's side remain on course to win a quadruple and will not want to lose ground in any competition.

From BBC

"As the junta loses control, their brutality increases. It's getting worse. The loss of life… the brutality, the torture as they lose ground, literally and figuratively," says UN special rapporteur Tom Andrews.

From BBC

The result means Norris, who also scored the point for fastest lap, reduced Verstappen’s championship lead by three points on a day he would have started expecting to lose ground.

From BBC