How To Say "Loss" In Spanish

What is "Loss" in Spanish?

In Spanish, the word for "loss" (noun) can be translated as pérdida (IPA: /ˈper.ði.da/). It is important to note that pérdida —written with an accent in the "e"— is not the same as "perdido(a)", which translates lost. In Spanish, the "tilde" ("accent") not only serves to accentuate but also to mark the meaning of words. 

Meaning of "Loss" in Spanish

Let us take a closer look at the meaning and regional references of "loss" in Spanish: 

• Pérdida: This is the most common and widely used term for "loss" in Spanish, encompassing various contexts. Whether it is the loss of a person, an object, or an opportunity, pérdida is the go-to word across most Spanish-speaking regions.

• Extravío (IPA: /ekstɾaˈβi.o/): In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and parts of Central America, the word "extravío" is employed to convey the idea of a loss. This term is particularly used when referring to the loss of personal belongings or getting lost in a physical sense.

• Desperdicio (IPA: /despeɾˈd̪iθjo/): In Spain, another term for "loss" is "desperdicio." This word mainly denotes the concept of wastage or squandering, emphasizing the loss of resources, time, or energy.

Synonyms of "Loss" in Spanish

Here are some synonyms of the Spanish word "pérdida" ("loss") along with their meanings:

• Desaparición (IPA: /desapaɾiˈθjon/): The act of disappearing or vanishing completely. It can also refer to the state of being missing or unaccounted for.
• Merma (IPA: /ˈmeɾma/): A decrease, reduction, or diminishment in quantity, size, or value. It is often used to describe a decline in resources or profits.
• Defunción (IPA: /defunˈθjon/): The act of dying or the state of being deceased. It specifically refers to the loss of a person's life.
• Ausencia (IPA: /awˈsenθja/): The state or condition of being absent or not present. It can also refer to the absence of a certain quality, characteristic, or element.
• Deterioro (IPA: /det̪eɾjoɾo/): The process or state of becoming worse in quality, condition, or value. It often implies a gradual decline or degradation.
• Perjuicio (IPA: /peɾˈxujo/): The harm, damage, or disadvantage caused by an action or event. It typically implies a negative consequence or loss.
• Fuga (IPA: /ˈfuɣa/): The act of fleeing, escaping, or running away. It can also refer to a leak or escape of substances, such as gas or liquid.
• Privación [pɾiβaˈθjon/): The act of depriving or the state of being deprived of something essential or necessary. It often implies a lack or absence of something important.

—The verb, adjective, and adverb forms of loss (to lose, lost, losingly) are analyzed in other MostUsedWords.com blog posts.