loss
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for loss, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The state of no longer having something you once had.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use loss
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English los, meaning damage or destruction, tracing back to a Proto-Germanic root shared with the word "loose."
Full origin of loss →Frequently asked questions
What does “loss” mean?
The word “loss” means the state of no longer having something you once had. In plain terms, the fact of no longer having, winning, or keeping something — an object, a game, money, or a loved one.
How do you pronounce “loss”?
“Loss” is pronounced los (/lɑs/ in IPA).
How do you use “loss” in a sentence?
Here is “loss” used in a sentence: “The loss of his phone meant he had no way to contact anyone.”
What is another word for “loss”?
Words with a similar meaning to “loss” include deperdition and forlesing.
What is the opposite of “loss”?
The opposite of “loss” — its antonyms — are acquisition and win.
What part of speech is “loss”?
“Loss” is a noun.
Where does the word “loss” come from?
The word “loss” comes from Old English. From Old English los, meaning damage or destruction, tracing back to a Proto-Germanic root shared with the word "loose.".
Is “loss” a common word?
“Loss” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between loss and lost?
Loss is a noun naming the state of no longer having something, as in 'the loss of a job'. Lost is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'lose', or an adjective meaning unable to find your way. You suffer a loss after you have lost something.
What are the different types of loss?
Loss takes many forms: bereavement is the loss of a loved one, financial loss is losing money, and there is also job loss, weight loss, memory loss, and loss of confidence. The common thread is that something once possessed is now gone, whether a person, a possession, or an ability.
What is the opposite of loss?
The usual opposite is 'gain', meaning to acquire something rather than lose it. In business, profit is the opposite of loss; in sport, a win is the opposite of a defeat. The right antonym depends on what has been lost, but all describe having more rather than less.
What does 'at a loss' mean?
The phrase has two senses. Emotionally, being 'at a loss' means feeling confused or unsure what to do or say. In trade, selling 'at a loss' means selling for less than you paid, so you lose money on the deal. Context makes clear which meaning applies.