Loss
/lɒs/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act or an instance of losing something or someone; the fact of being without something or someone.
/lɒs/
The state of no longer having something or someone
The loss of her pet dog caused her great sadness.
💡 Simply: When you don't have something anymore, like your favorite toy or a friend. It's when something is gone and you feel sad.
👶 For kids: When you can't find something or someone you had.
More Examples
The company suffered a major financial loss due to the economic downturn.
His loss in the game was a disappointment.
How It's Used
"The loss of his keys made him late."
"The company reported a significant financial loss."
"The loss of his grandmother was deeply felt."
The amount of something that is lost; a decrease in quantity or value.
/lɒs/
The amount of something that is lost
The company reported a significant loss of revenue.
💡 Simply: When you have less of something than you started with, like when money disappears or a team loses in a game.
👶 For kids: When you have less than you started with.
More Examples
The team suffered a narrow loss in the championship game.
There was a noticeable loss of weight after the diet.
How It's Used
"The company's losses totaled millions."
"The team faced a heavy loss in the final match."
"Inventory loss due to theft is a major concern."
The failure to keep or maintain something.
/lɒs/
The failure to keep or maintain something
The loss of the city to the enemy was a devastating blow.
💡 Simply: When you can't keep something, like a game or your temper. It means you failed to hold on to it.
👶 For kids: When you can't keep something from going away.
More Examples
The loss of the key evidence made the case very difficult.
His loss of focus caused him to miss the deadline.
How It's Used
"The loss of the game was attributed to a defensive error."
"The loss of memory can be a sign of illness."
"The loss of control led to chaos."
Synonyms
Deficit
Deprivation
Forfeit
Decrease
Depletion
Defeat
Disappointment
Failure
Forfeiture
Idioms & expressions
at a loss
Confused or uncertain about what to do or say.
"She was at a loss for words when she heard the news."
cut your losses
To stop doing something that is failing in order to avoid losing more money or time.
"After the business started losing money, he decided to cut his losses and sell it."
From Old English *los*, meaning 'destruction, ruin, injury' related to *losian* 'to be lost'.
The word "loss" has been used since Old English times, reflecting a fundamental human experience.