loss

/lɒs/
nounIntermediate
general

the act of losing something or someone

The company suffered a significant loss in revenue last quarter.

This refers to a financial loss, where the company earned less money than expected.

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Loss can be physical, emotional, or financial.

💰Finance
Finance

a decrease in value or quantity

The stock market experienced a loss of 5% due to economic uncertainty.

This indicates a decline in the overall value of stocks.

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In finance, loss often refers to a reduction in monetary value.

general

the failure to win or succeed in a competition or endeavor

The team accepted their loss gracefully after the final match.

This refers to losing a game or competition.

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Loss in this context is often associated with sports or contests.

Collocations

sustain a lossto experience a financial or physical lossaccept one's lossto acknowledge and come to terms with a losssuffer a lossto experience a significant or painful loss

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

loss of controlphrase
the inability to manage or direct something
loss of lifephrase
death, especially in large numbers
loss leaderphrase
a product sold at a loss to attract customers

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'loss' can vary greatly depending on the context. Pay attention to whether it's used in a financial, emotional, or competitive setting.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overgeneralization

Do not assume 'loss' always refers to a negative outcome. In some contexts, it can be neutral or even positive (e.g., losing weight).

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'los', from Old English 'los', meaning 'destruction, ruin, loss'. Related to Old Norse 'los' (destruction) and Old High German 'lōz' (destruction).

📝Usage Notes

Loss can refer to both tangible and intangible things, such as money, possessions, relationships, or opportunities. It is often used in contexts involving grief, failure, or financial setbacks.

Word Breakdown

los
destruction, ruin
root
+
-s
plural or possessive marker
suffix
English Dictionary