■ noun
1》 the fact or process of losing something or someone.
↘the feeling of grief after losing a valued person or thing.
↘a person or thing that is badly missed when lost.
2》 a defeat in sport.
3》 the amount by which money spent in operation or production exceeds money earned.
Phrases
at a ~
1》 uncertain or puzzled.
2》 making less money than is spent.
Origin
OE los 'destruction', of Gmc origin; related to loose ; later prob. a back-form. from lost , past participle of lose .