VocabDictionary

suffer a loss

/ˈsʌf.ər ə lɔs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.idiom

To experience a financial deficit, a defeat in a competition, or the death of a loved one.

Example Sentences:
  • The small business had to suffer a loss after the unexpected market downturn.
  • Our team fought hard, but we had to suffer a loss in the championship game.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “suffer a loss”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The phrase combines 'suffer,' originating from the Latin 'sustinere' (to hold up, endure, or undergo), via Old French 'suffrir,' with 'loss,' derived from Old English 'los' (destruction, ruin, or losing). Historically, it has been used in both economic contexts (financial deficits) and personal contexts (bereavement or defeat).

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'suffer' as enduring pain and 'loss' as missing something; when you combine them, you are enduring the pain of having something taken away or defeated.

Frequently Asked Questions About “suffer a loss

1. What is the meaning of “suffer a loss” in English?

In English, suffer a loss (idiom) is defined as: “To experience a financial deficit, a defeat in a competition, or the death of a loved one.”.

2. How do you use “suffer a loss” in a sentence?

The small business had to suffer a loss after the unexpected market downturn.

3. What are English synonyms of “suffer a loss”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “suffer a loss”?

The phrase combines 'suffer,' originating from the Latin 'sustinere' (to hold up, endure, or undergo), via Old French 'suffrir,' with 'loss,' derived from Old English 'los' (destruction, ruin, or losing). Historically, it has been used in both economic contexts (financial deficits) and personal contexts (bereavement or defeat).