# dead loss

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dead-loss
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An absolute or total loss.

## Examples

- That broken old computer is a dead loss.
- We tried to fix the leaky roof ourselves, but it was a dead loss, so we called a professional.
- The entire project proved to be a dead loss, as the team failed to account for the shifting market conditions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.