plural losses
1
: destruction, ruin
… quitted all to save / A world from utter loss …—John Milton
habitat loss
2
a(1)
: the act or fact of being unable to keep or maintain something or someone
blood loss
hair loss
loss of a toe from frostbite
The accident was attributed to the drivers' loss of control.
Success or failure in the playoffs can ride on one momentary loss of composure.—Ric Bucher
Activists … pushed for reform that would have forced the state to compensate the property owner for the loss of his livelihood.—James Bovard
The tax was blamed for the loss of jobs in the country's food manufacturing sector.—Helen Branswell
The team overcame the loss of its best player … to a torn ACL in its 10th game …—Jeff Johnson
(2)
: the partial or complete deterioration or absence of a physical capability or function
a temporary loss of taste and smell
severe memory loss
loss of appetite
loss of consciousness
… one in about 350 babies is born deaf or hard of hearing in Minnesota each year. I was surprised to learn that this makes hearing loss the most common condition present at birth.—Ann Busche
see also loss of life
b
: the harm or privation resulting from losing or being separated from someone or something
Her sudden death was a great loss to the community.
experienced a deep sense/feeling of loss
c
: an instance of losing someone or something
mourning the loss of a dear friend to cancer
She lamented the loss of their friendship.
3
: a person or thing or an amount that is lost: such as
a
losses plural
: killed, wounded, or captured soldiers
The regiment suffered terrible losses.
b
: the power diminution of a circuit (see circuit entry 1 sense 4a) or circuit element corresponding to conversion of electrical energy into heat by resistance (see resistance entry 1 sense 4a)
4
a
: failure to gain, win, obtain, or utilize
loss of income/revenue
loss of a game
the party's losses in the election
Research hasn't revealed any permanent effects on the body resulting from sleep loss, but don't take that as an endorsement for skipping z's.—Brad Wetzler
b
: an amount by which the cost of something exceeds its selling price
profits and losses
The business is operating at a loss.
sold the stock at a loss
5
: decrease in amount, magnitude, value, or degree
his recent weight loss
a loss in altitude/temperature
Efficiency losses led to lower profits.
Shares of tech stocks pared losses as the Nasdaq rallied sharply off the lows of the day.—Rachel Fox
6
: the amount of an insured's financial detriment by death or damage that the insurer is liable for
Insured losses arising from a string of tornadoes in Missouri earlier this year may reach more than $139 million …—Timothy Darragh
7
football
: the distance the ball is moved away from the goal during a play
There was a gain of five yards on first down, but a loss of three yards on second down.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share