Loss Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

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The Britannica Dictionary loss 5 ENTRIES FOUND:

• loss (noun)
• loss adjuster (noun)
• loss leader (noun)
• cut (verb)
• word (noun)

loss /ˈlɑːs/ noun plural losses loss /ˈlɑːs/ noun plural losses Britannica Dictionary definition of LOSS 1 a : failure to keep or to continue to have something [noncount] — usually + of

• the mayor's loss of support/influence
• Surgeons were unable to control the loss of blood in the victim.
• Symptoms include insomnia and loss of appetite.
• Both accidents were attributed to the drivers' loss of control.
• The recession has caused the loss of many jobs.
• The accident caused enormous loss of life. [=many people died in the accident]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples [singular] — usually + of

• a loss of innocence
• The victim died from a loss of blood to the brain.

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• There have been heavy job losses because of the recession. [=many people have been laid off]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b [noncount] : the experience of having something taken from you or destroyed — usually + of

• The storm caused widespread loss of electricity.
• soldiers who have suffered the loss of a limb [=soldiers who have had an arm or leg destroyed or so badly injured that it had to be removed]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 [count] : money that is spent and that is more than the amount earned or received

• The company's losses for the year were higher than expected.
• profits and losses
• They took a loss on the deal. [=the deal cost them money; they lost money on the deal]
• The business is operating at a loss. [=the business is spending more money than it is earning]
• They sold the property at a (considerable) loss. [=for less than they paid for it]

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see also at a loss (below) 3 : failure to win a game, contest, etc. [noncount]

• A careless error resulted in the loss of the game.

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• The team suffered a 3–2 loss in the last game.
• The team has an equal number of wins and losses.
• the party's losses in the recent election

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 4 a : a decrease in something or in the amount of something [singular]

• The plane experienced a loss of altitude.

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• We need to determine the loss in value due to the damage.
• The new windows reduce heat loss by 15 percent.
• Don't be concerned about the loss of a few pounds. You're still a healthy weight.
• Side effects of the treatment include nausea and hair loss.
• memory/weight loss

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b [singular] : a decrease in value by a specified amount

• The stock market had a loss of four percent yesterday.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 5 [noncount] a : the death of a relative, friend, etc. — usually + of

• She mourned the loss of her parents.
• the loss of a dear friend to cancer

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b : the experience of having someone leave — usually + of

• The company has had to deal with the loss [=departure] of several key employees.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples c : a feeling of sadness that you have when someone dies, leaves, etc.

• Their deaths left everyone with a great/deep sense of loss.
• The feeling of loss you experienced after your divorce is not uncommon.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 6 [singular] : something that causes harm, sadness, etc., to a group or organization

• Their deaths were a great loss to the community.
• His retirement was a real loss to the company.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 7 [singular] : something that is completely destroyed

• After the flood, the crops were a total loss.
• No one was injured in the accident, but the car was a complete loss.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 8 losses [plural] : soldiers killed, wounded, or captured in battle

• During the battle the allies suffered/sustained/took/experienced heavy losses.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 9 [count] American football : the distance the ball is moved away from the goal during a play

• There was a gain of five yards on first down, but a loss of three yards on second down.

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at a loss

: not able to decide what should be done or said

• I don't know what to do. I'm at a (complete) loss.
• They were at a loss to explain [=they were unable to explain] why it took so long to correct the problem.

[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — see also loss 2 (above)

at a loss for words

chiefly US : unable to think of anything to say

• I was so surprised to see her that I was at a loss for words. [=(chiefly Brit) lost for words]

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cut your losses

: to stop an activity, business, etc., that is failing in order to prevent more losses or damage

• With the economy continuing to do poorly, many investors have decided to cut their losses and sell their stocks.

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it's your loss

◊ People say that something is your loss when you choose not to do something that they think would help you or that you would enjoy.

• If she doesn't want to come to the party, it's her loss.

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throw (someone) for a loss

: to cause (someone) to be very amazed, confused, or shocked

• Recent revelations have thrown me for a loss. [=(more commonly) for a loop]

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1. d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12">

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