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total loss

/ˈtoʊtəl ˈloʊs/ · to·tal loss
noun
  1. A loss that is so severe that it cannot be recovered or compensated for. The car was declared a total loss after it was involved in a serious accident.
  2. A complete and utter failure or defeat. The team suffered a total loss in the championship game, losing by a landslide.
Did you know? The concept of 'total loss' has been used in various contexts, including insurance, finance, and even sports, to describe a situation where the outcome is so severe that it cannot be recovered from.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 17, 2026