An Encylopedia Britannica Company

loss

loss /ˈlɑːs/ noun
plural losses
loss
/ˈlɑːs/
noun
plural losses
Britannica Dictionary definition of LOSS
: failure to keep or to continue to have something
[noncount]
usually + of
[singular]
usually + of
[plural]
[noncount] : the experience of having something taken from you or destroyed usually + of
[count] : money that is spent and that is more than the amount earned or received
see also at a loss (below)
: failure to win a game, contest, etc.
[noncount]
[count]
: a decrease in something or in the amount of something
[singular]
[noncount]
[singular] : a decrease in value by a specified amount
[noncount]
: the death of a relative, friend, etc. usually + of
: the experience of having someone leave usually + of
: a feeling of sadness that you have when someone dies, leaves, etc.
[singular] : something that causes harm, sadness, etc., to a group or organization
[singular] : something that is completely destroyed
losses [plural] : soldiers killed, wounded, or captured in battle
[count] American football : the distance the ball is moved away from the goal during a play

at a loss

: not able to decide what should be done or said
see also loss 2 (above)

at a loss for words

chiefly US
: unable to think of anything to say

cut your losses

: to stop an activity, business, etc., that is failing in order to prevent more losses or damage

it's your loss

◊ People say that something is your loss when you choose not to do something that they think would help you or that you would enjoy.

throw (someone) for a loss

: to cause (someone) to be very amazed, confused, or shocked