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loss

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noun American English pronunciation: loss /lɔs/ 
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singularloss
plurallosses
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [countable/uncountable] the state of not having something anymore because it has been taken from you or destroyed

    It was an ancient car anyway, so it was no great loss.

    job losses

    loss of:

    the loss of the Titanic

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
    1. a.
      used about a natural ability that you do not have anymore

      He suffered hearing loss following an illness.

      loss of:

      The loss of his sight was a severe blow.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
    2. b.
      used about a feeling, quality, attitude, etc. that you stop having
      loss of:

      a loss of confidence

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
    3. c.
      used about a part of your body that you do not have anymore because of an accident, illness, etc.

      a new treatment for hair loss

      loss of:

      insurance that also covers loss of limbs or eyes

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
  2. 2
    [countable/uncountable] the state of having less of something than before because some of it has gone

    Exercise and weight loss can help lower your blood pressure.

    loss of:

    She was offered compensation for loss of earnings.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
  3. 3
    [countable] a failure to win a race, competition, fight, etc.
    loss to:

    the Indians' loss to the Yankees last night

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
  4. 4
    [countable/uncountable] business money that a person, company, organization, etc. loses when it spends more than it earns

    company losses in excess of $25 million

    The company reported heavy losses for last year.

    make a loss:

    They made a net loss of $350 million.

    at a loss:

    The company was sold at a loss of $2 million.

    take a loss (on something):

    We took a loss on the sale of our house.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
  5. 5
    [countable/uncountable] the death of someone

    Many sympathies on your sad loss.

    loss of:

    Jean never recovered from the loss of her husband.

    mourn the loss of someone:

    The hospital is mourning the loss of a pioneering surgeon.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
  6. 6
    [uncountable] a feeling of sadness that you have when someone leaves or dies, or when you do not have something anymore
    a sense of loss:

    We all felt a tremendous sense of loss when Robin left.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss
  7. 7
    [singular] a disadvantage that you have when someone leaves or when you cannot use something anymore

    the loss of 12 fully-trained doctors

    a great loss to:

    If the school closes, it will be a great loss to the community.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of loss

phrases

See also

This is the American English definition of loss. View British English definition of loss.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

View the pronunciation for loss.

 

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