loss of life

idiomatic phrase

: death
… street robberies, often accompanied by cruel wounds, and not unfrequently by loss of lifeCharles Dickens
: incidences of people dying
In 1900 a hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, destroying the city and killing over 6,000 persons—the greatest loss of life from a natural disaster ever recorded in the United States.David H. Hickcox

Examples of loss of life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And so are hundreds of other scientists, including all living former U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) directors, who fear a 'needless loss of life' as a result of the loss of staff and resources at NWS brought on since January. Khaleda Rahman shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 Yet, in each case, humanity did eventually adjust and, in doing so, stave off even greater catastrophe: global fascism, deeper economic collapse, and further loss of life. Michael Sheldrick, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 Kentucky has experienced a spate of dangerous severe weather this spring, from violent storms to devastating floods that have caused significant damage and loss of life. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 Despite industry claims, nonessential (tourist and commuter) helicopters contribute little to the local economy, and the impact to tax-paying residents of noise and air pollution, the reduction of property values, and the senseless and avoidable loss of life, has a far higher cost. Eric Katzman, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for loss of life

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loss of life was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Loss of life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loss%20of%20life. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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