loss
When you do not have something or someone anymore.
The state or fact of no longer possessing something or someone.
When something becomes less in number, amount, or value.
A reduction in quantity, quality, or value of something.
When you do not win a game or competition.
A failure to win in a game, competition, or contest.
When someone you love dies.
The death of a person who is valued or loved by someone.
- Base: loss
- Plural: loss, losses
at a loss
1Not knowing what to do or say
Not knowing what to do or say in a situation.
- I’m at a loss for words after hearing the news.
- He seemed at a loss when asked about the plan.
cut your losses
1Stop before losing more
To stop doing something that is failing so you do not lose more money or time.
- After months of low sales, they decided to cut their losses and close the shop.
- I think it’s time we cut our losses and move on.
for want of a better word
1Using an imperfect term
Used when you cannot think of a better word to say something.
- It was, for want of a better word, strange.
- He was, for want of a better word, dishonest.
no love lost between [people]
1Mutual dislike between people
When two people do not like each other at all.
- There’s no love lost between the two politicians.
- It’s clear there’s no love lost between them after the argument.