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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
His performance today lacked its usual edge.
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.
That company fell behind in innovation and lost its edge.
Means 'lose superiority/advantage.' More formal, often used in strategic or analytical contexts.
Casual way to say 'lose one's strength/advantage.'
Referring to a blade or tool becoming dull.
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.
Due to new entrants, our company is losing its edge.
If we raise prices, our store will lose its edge.
ナイフの刃が鈍ってきた。
The knife's blade has lost its edge.