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.
Every fatal school shooting leaves a community in shock, mourning the irreplaceable loss of lives. Harvard Business Review, 4 Aug. 2025 Dozens of pro-Palestinian protests and vigils have been held throughout the city to mourn the tremendous loss of life, condemn the violence in Gaza, and demand more from local leaders to acknowledge and stand against the suffering. Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 If a cyberattack compromises a valve or a safety mechanism, the results can be catastrophic, including environmental disasters, equipment failure and even loss of life. Ian Bramson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 No injuries or loss of life have been reported, and evacuation orders remain in effect as the north rim of the Canyon remains closed. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 15 July 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 22 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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