loss

1 [U,C,usually sing.] the state of no longer having sth or as much of sth; the process that leads to this: loss of blood / sleep / self-control * hair / weight loss * I want to report the loss of a package. * The closure of the factory will lead to a number of job losses. * When she died I was filled with a sense of loss. * loss of earnings (= the money you do not earn because you are prevented from working) 2 [C] money that has been lost by a business or an organization: The company has announced net losses of $1.5 million. * We made a loss on (= lost money on) the deal. * We are now operating at a loss. OPPPROFIT 3 [C,U] the death of a person: The loss of his wife was a great blow to him. * Enemy troops suffered heavy losses. * The drought has led to widespread loss of life. 4 [sing.] the disadvantage that is caused when sb leaves or when a useful or valuable object is taken away; a person who causes a disadvantage by leaving: Her departure is a big loss to the school. * She will be a great loss to the school. * If he isn't prepared to accept this money, then that's his loss. seealsoDEADLOSS IDIOMS at a loss not knowing what to say or do: His comments left me at a loss for words. * I'm at a loss what to do next. cut your losses to stop doing sth that is not successful before the situation becomes even worse: I decided to cut my losses and move back to England.