for a loss

phrase

: into a state of distress
events had thrown him for a loss

Examples of for a loss in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Edman led the team with four, but Hernández’ second knock was the most important one, snapping the skid and taking Tarik Skubal off the hook for a loss. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 As a junior, Carter posted 86 tackles and 32 tackles for a loss. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026 Highland senior defensive end Jace Harris sliced into the backfield to make a tackle for a loss during the first series against visiting Whiting on Friday. — Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 Discounting those three games, where is the biggest chance for a loss? — Pete Sampson, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for for a loss

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of for a loss was in 1921

Rhymes for for a loss

See All Rhymes for for a loss

Browse Nearby Words

for a loop
for a loss
foram
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“For a loss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/for%20a%20loss. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All