loss

One entry found for loss.

Main Entry: loss
Pronunciation: 'los
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English los, probably back-formation from lost, past participle of losen to lose
1 : DESTRUCTION, RUIN
2 a : the act of losing possession : DEPRIVATION <insured against loss or theft of property> <loss of sight> b : the harm or privation resulting from loss or separation <her death was a loss to the community> 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>