Loss Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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loss
[lÉ’s ]
Definitions
financial
The fact or process of losing something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loss |
Used when talking about the act of losing something or someone, often in an emotional or financial sense.
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| deficit |
Used primarily in financial and economic contexts to indicate a shortfall or gap, often when expenses exceed income or assets.
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| decrease |
Refers to a reduction in size, amount, number, or value.
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| reduction |
Implied when something is made smaller or less in terms of amount, size, or importance, often used in a general context.
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Examples of usage
- His business suffered a great loss due to the pandemic.
- She experienced a great loss when her father passed away.
- The company reported a loss of revenue in the last quarter.
emotional
The feeling of grief after losing someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loss |
A general term used to describe the feeling when something or someone valuable is gone. It's often used in both personal and material contexts.
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| grief |
Describes the intense emotional suffering that follows any significant loss, particularly a death. It is the emotional and physical reaction to bereavement.
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| sorrow |
A deep feeling of sadness or regret, often associated with loss or disappointment. It can be used in various contexts, both serious and everyday.
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| bereavement |
Refers specifically to the period of mourning and emotional suffering after the death of a loved one. It's often associated with the grieving process.
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Examples of usage
- She was overwhelmed with a sense of loss after her pet died.
- He couldn't shake off the feeling of loss after his team lost the championship.
weight
The amount by which a quantity is less than expected or required.
Synonyms
depletion, reduction, shortfall.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loss |
Generally used to describe a situation where something has been taken away or is no longer present, often emotional or financial.
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| shortfall |
Describes a situation where there is not enough of something needed or expected, often numerical, financial, or supply-related.
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| depletion |
Used when something is used up or consumed, especially resources or stock.
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| reduction |
Refers to making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size, often in a more measured or controlled manner.
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Examples of usage
- The loss in weight of the package was due to items missing from the shipment.
- There was a loss in volume of the liquid after the container leaked.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Loss can lead to feelings of sadness and grief, which are natural responses to missing someone or something important.
- People often go through stages of grief, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance after experiencing a loss.
- Experiencing loss can trigger profound changes in a person's behavior and outlook on life.
History
- Throughout history, many communities have had rituals and ceremonies to help cope with the loss of loved ones, which express collective mourning.
- The concept of loss has been a central theme in literature and art, prompting famous works, such as Shakespeare's tragedies, to explore human grief.
- In ancient cultures, losing a leader or influential figure often led to societal upheaval, showing how loss influences communities on a larger scale.
Science
- In biology, loss can refer to the extinction of species, which affects ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Studies show that emotional loss can manifest physically, increasing stress-related symptoms in the body.
- Famous experiments have demonstrated how loss of a loved one leads to measurable changes in brain activity, particularly in areas related to emotions.
Art
- Artistic expressions often depict loss through symbolism, using colors like black to represent mourning or blue to signify sadness.
- Music is a powerful medium for expressing loss; songs about love lost resonate deeply with many listeners across cultures.
- Famous paintings, like Edvard Munch's 'The Scream', capture the essence of emotional turmoil associated with loss, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Pop Culture
- Many films and TV shows explore themes of loss, such as the story of 'The Lion King,' where Simba deals with the loss of his father.
- In video games, the concept of loss is often a driving force in character development, as seen in popular titles like 'The Last of Us'.
- Songs about loss frequently top the charts, as artists tap into universal feelings of heartbreak and longing that resonate with listeners.
Origin of 'loss'
The word 'loss' originated from the Old English 'los', meaning destruction or ruin. It has evolved over time to represent the act of losing something, whether it be tangible or intangible. The concept of loss is deeply rooted in human experience, as individuals grapple with the emotions and consequences of losing possessions, relationships, or opportunities. The word 'loss' carries a weight of meaning, reflecting the inevitable and often painful aspect of life.