loss
Plurallosses
- 1When you no longer have something, or have less of it, because it was lost, taken, or destroyed.
Like reaching into your pocket and finding empty space where something used to be.
The loss of his keys meant he was locked out all night.
After the accident, she faced the slow loss of her eyesight.
UsageSay loss of something, or put the thing first: weight loss.
Oppositegain
- 2When a team or person is beaten in a game, fight, or contest.
Like the feeling when the other side scores more points than yours.
The team's first loss of the season disappointed the fans.
The team's loss on Saturday ended its long winning streak.
UsageSay a loss to the other team.
- 3The amount of money a business loses when its costs are more than what it earns.
Like spending more from your allowance than you were given, so you end up short.
The shop reported a loss after a very slow winter.
The bakery made a loss in its first year but a profit in its second.
UsageA business makes a loss. Selling at a loss means getting less than you paid.
Oppositeprofit
Note
- 4The death of a person or animal.
Like an empty chair at the table where someone always used to sit.
The loss of their grandmother brought the whole family together.
The shelter mourned the loss of an animal it had cared for.
UsagePeople say I'm sorry for your loss to someone whose loved one died.
- 5The deep sadness caused by losing someone or something, especially someone who has died.
Like a heavy weight in your chest that takes a long time to lift.
She was overwhelmed by loss after her best friend moved away.
Counselors help people learn to live with loss.
UsagePeople often say a sense of loss.
Similargrief, bereavement, sorrow, mourning, heartache
Note
- 6The harm caused when someone or something is gone, or a person who is badly missed after leaving.
Closing the town library would be a big loss for the kids who do their homework there.
Ms. Lopez was a wonderful teacher, and she will be a real loss to the school.
UsageIt's your loss means you are the one who misses out. A person can be a loss to a school.
Similarblow
Oppositegain
- 7Energy that gets wasted instead of doing useful work.
Like water leaking from a bucket before it ever reaches the garden.
Engineers work hard to reduce loss in the power lines.
Friction causes some loss in almost every machine.
UsageOften heat loss or power loss.
Similardissipation, leakage, wastage
Less common meaning
- 8A thing that has been destroyed or damaged so badly that repairing it is impossible or not worth the cost.
Like a toy broken so badly that you can only throw it away.
The old shed was a total loss after the fire.
After the crash, the insurance company said the car was a total loss.
UsageSay a total loss for something that cannot be fixed or is not worth fixing.
Practice
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Origin
From Old English los, meaning damage or loss. It is related to the word lose.
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts
- Loss derives from Old English los, meaning damage or loss. en.wiktionary.org
- Loss is etymologically related to lose. en.wiktionary.org