English Lexicon

Net loss

/ˈnɛt lɒs/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The amount by which total expenses exceed total revenues in a specific accounting period.

    "The tech startup reported a net loss of five million dollars in the third quarter."
  2. 2

    An overall reduction or deficit in quantity, value, or membership after factoring in all gains and losses.

    "Despite acquiring new clients, the firm experienced a net loss of staff over the year."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term combines 'net', derived from Middle French 'net' meaning clean or clear (from Latin 'nitidus'), and 'loss', derived from Old English 'los' meaning destruction or ruin. Historically solidified in modern financial accounting during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to represent the ultimate negative balance after all expenses are deducted from revenues.

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