Translation guide
To become less sharp, skilled, or effective than before, often due to lack of practice, age, or complacency.
Expressing that someone's proficiency, sharpness, or competitive advantage has diminished.
Literally 'one's arm/skill becomes dull.' A common, natural way to say one's skills have gotten rusty.
最近練習してないから、腕が鈍った。
I haven't practiced lately, so I've lost my edge.
Literally 'one's intuition/sense becomes dull.' Used when one's instincts or sharpness in judgment decline.
Describing a situation where a person, company, or product no longer has the same advantage over others.
Directly means 'lose competitiveness.' Suitable for business or sports contexts.
その会社は技術革新に遅れて、競争力を失った。
That company fell behind in innovation and lost its edge.
Referring to a blade or tool becoming dull.
Literally 'sharpness becomes bad.' The most direct way to say a blade has lost its edge.
この包丁は切れ味が悪くなったから、研がないと。
This knife has lost its edge, so I need to sharpen it.
The English phrase 'lose one's edge' is idiomatic. Translating it word-for-word as 縁を失う or similar would be nonsensical in Japanese. Use the expressions above depending on context.
After a long vacation, I feel like I've lost my edge.
Literally 'sharpness drops.' Often used for mental sharpness or performance, like a blade losing its edge.
年を取って、頭の切れ味が落ちた。
As I've gotten older, I've lost my mental edge.
A general verb meaning 'to decline' or 'weaken.' Can be used for skills, strength, or abilities.
彼のプレーは以前より衰えている。
His play has lost its edge compared to before.
Literally 'lack brilliance/luster.' A slightly formal or written expression meaning to lack one's usual sharpness or vitality.
今日の彼の演技は精彩を欠いていた。
His performance today lacked its usual edge.
Means 'lose superiority/advantage.' More formal, often used in strategic or analytical contexts.
新規参入により、我が社の優位性は失われつつある。
Due to new entrants, our company is losing its edge.
Casual way to say 'lose one's strength/advantage.'
値上げしたら、うちの店の強みがなくなっちゃうよ。
If we raise prices, our store will lose its edge.
Verb meaning 'to become dull.' Can be used for blades as well as skills.
ナイフの刃が鈍ってきた。
The knife's blade has lost its edge.