First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
loss
noun \ˈlȯs\
: failure to keep or to continue to have something
: the experience of having something taken from you or destroyed
: money that is spent and that is more than the amount earned or received
Full Definition of LOSS
1
: destruction, ruin
2
a : the act of losing possession : deprivation <loss of sight> b : the harm or privation resulting from loss or separation c : an instance of losing
3
: a person or thing or an amount that is lost: as a plural : killed, wounded, or captured soldiers b : the power diminution of a circuit or circuit element corresponding to conversion of electrical energy into heat by resistance
4
a : failure to gain, win, obtain, or utilize b : an amount by which the cost of something exceeds its selling price
5
: decrease in amount, magnitude, or degree
6
: the amount of an insured's financial detriment by death or damage that the insurer is liable for
— at a loss
1
: uncertain as to how to proceed <was at a loss to explain the discrepancy>
2
: unable to produce what is needed <at a loss for words>
— for a loss
: into a state of distress <events had thrown him for a loss>
See loss defined for English-language learners
See loss defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of LOSS
Middle English los, probably back-formation from lost, past participle of losen to lose
Related to LOSS
- Synonyms
- mislaying, misplacement
- Antonyms
- acquisition, gain
LOSS Defined for Kids
loss
noun \ˈlȯs\
Definition of LOSS for Kids
1
: the act or fact of losing something <a loss of courage>
2
: harm or distress that comes from losing something or someone <We all felt the loss when he left.>
3
: something that is lost <weight loss>
4
: failure to win <It was the team's first loss.>
— at a loss
: unsure of how to proceed
Learn More About LOSS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: loss–and–gain accountPrevious Word in the Dictionary: losing hazardAll Words Near: loss
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up loss? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).