loss \loss\ lo^s; 115, n. as. los loss, losing, fr.
   le'isan to lose. root127. see lose, v. t.
   1. the act of losing; failure; destruction; privation; as,
      the loss of property; loss of money by gaming; loss of
      health or reputation.
      1913 webster

            assured loss before the match be played. --shak.
      1913 webster

   2. the state of losing or having lost; the privation, defect,
      misfortune, harm, etc., which ensues from losing.
      1913 webster

            though thou repent, yet i have still the loss.
                                                  --shak
      1913 webster

   3. that which is lost or from which one has parted; waste; --
      opposed to gain or increase; as, the loss of liquor by
      leakage was considerable.
      1913 webster

   4. the state of being lost or destroyed; especially, the
      wreck or foundering of a ship or other vessel.
      1913 webster

   5. failure to gain or win; as, loss of a race or battle.
      1913 webster

   6. failure to use advantageously; as, loss of time.
      1913 webster

   7. mil. killed, wounded, and captured persons, or captured
      property.
      1913 webster

   8. insurance destruction or diminution of value, if brought
      about in a manner provided for in the insurance contract
      as destruction by fire or wreck, damage by water or
      smoke, or the death or injury of an insured person; also,
      the sum paid or payable therefor; as, the losses of the
      company this year amount to a million of dollars.
      1913 webster

   to bear a loss, to make a loss good; also, to sustain a
      loss without sinking under it.

   to be at a loss, to be in a state of uncertainty.

   syn: privation; detriment; injury; damage.
        1913 webster
see also:
lose gain increase to bear a loss to be at a loss