# loss of face

idiom

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

## Meaning

Loss of the respect of others, humiliation, public disgrace.

## Examples

- He apologized to avoid a loss of face.
- The manager resigned quietly to prevent a loss of face after the project failed publicly.
- The diplomat chose his words carefully, fearing that any public admission of error would result in a significant loss of face for his entire delegation.

## Origin

Derived from the earlier verbal phrase *lose face*. No specific dates or named entities are recorded for the noun phrase's independent development.

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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.