loss

The fact that you no longer have something, or have less of it.

• The medicine can cause hair loss.
• He noticed some loss of hearing.
• Her sudden weight loss worried the doctor.

How to use it: loss of something (The illness caused a loss of appetite.)

Similar words: expense

Opposites: gain

Common phrases: weight loss, hearing loss, loss of appetite

The death of someone you love or care about.

• I'm sorry for your loss.
• The family suffered a terrible loss.
• He struggled after the loss of his wife.

How to use it: loss of someone (She is grieving the loss of her father.)

Similar words: bereavement

Common phrases: tragic loss, sudden loss, loss of someone

An event in which something you own goes missing or is taken away.

• Report the loss of your card immediately.
• The loss of her keys upset her.
• Insurance covers losses caused by theft.

How to use it: loss of something (The loss of my passport delayed the trip.)

Common phrases: loss of something, report a loss, accidental loss

Something damaged so badly that it cannot be used or repaired.

• The car was a total loss.
• Both boats were declared total losses.
• After the fire, the entire building was a loss.

Similar words: write-off

Common phrases: total loss, complete loss

A defeat officially recorded against a baseball pitcher on the team that lost.

• The pitcher took his first loss.
• He finished the season with eight losses.
• The starter was charged with the loss.

How to use it: charge someone with a loss (The pitcher was charged with a loss.)

Opposites: win

Common phrases: charge a loss, pitching loss, first loss