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.
Early reports indicate a significant loss of life, including many children, with hundreds of fatalities and thousands injured, alongside widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 Jose's family members have raised concerns the charge doesn't accurately reflect the loss of life. Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2025 The massive loss of life crippled the Byzantine Empire, weakening its administrative capabilities. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2025 By choosing political loyalty over the safety of millions of Americans, these Republicans—many of whom have active disasters in their districts and states—ensure that future disasters will bring greater loss of life, longer recoveries, and deeper suffering. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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