(~s)
1.
Something such as a vehicle that is a ~ has been so badly damaged in an accident that it is not worth repairing. (BRIT)
The car was a ~, but everyone escaped unharmed.
N-COUNT
2.
A ~ is the decision by a company or government to accept that they will never recover a debt or an amount of money that has been spent on something.
Mr James persuaded the banks to accept a large ~ of debt.
N-COUNT
3.
If you describe a plan or period of time as a ~, you mean that it has been a failure and you have achieved nothing. (INFORMAL)
Today was really a bit of a ~ for me...
N-SING