B1noun1K

Loss

UK /["/lɒs/"]/US /["/lɔːs/"]/

Definition

the state of no longer having something or as much of something; the process that leads to this

In simple words: When you don't have something anymore or when something is gone.

Examples

  • The loss of my grandmother was a significant event in my life.
  • His team suffered a loss in the championship game last night.
  • There is always a loss when someone you love passes away.
  • Despite the loss of his job, he remained optimistic about the future.
  • The company reported a financial loss for the third quarter.
  • After months of training, her biggest fear was the loss of motivation.
  • In sports, loss is a part of the game that can teach humility.
  • He felt a deep sense of loss after moving to a new city and leaving friends behind.
  • The loss of a good friend can be very hard to cope with.

Usage notes

This word is appropriate in both personal and formal contexts. It can refer to emotional or physical absence. Avoid using it in situations where a lighter tone is needed.

Grammar pattern

loss + of + object

Memory hint

Remember 'loss' as if something is 'lost' from a box, it's no longer there.

Collocations

  • appreciable
  • considerable
  • significant
  • suffer
  • cause
  • prevent
  • loss of
  • no great loss
  • be at a loss
  • catastrophic
  • enormous
  • heavy
  • incur
  • make
  • suffer
  • at a loss
  • loss on
  • enormous
  • great
  • terrible
  • suffer
  • sustain
  • take
  • loss to
  • a sense of loss

Synonyms

  • deprivation
  • misplacement
  • forfeiture
  • deficiency

Antonyms

  • gain
  • acquisition

Common mistakes

  • Confusing it with 'lost' which is a verb.
  • Using 'loss' in place of 'lose' in sentences.
  • Not considering the plural form 'losses' when discussing multiple instances.