Inklingo
← Dictionary

pérdida

pehr-dee-dahˈpeɾðiða

loss, losing

Also: forfeit, waste
NounfA2
A young child looking down with a sad expression at their empty hand, having lost their bright red teddy bear.

📝 In Action

La pérdida de mi billetera me causó muchos problemas.

A2

The loss of my wallet caused me many problems.

Fue una gran pérdida de tiempo esperar tanto.

B1

It was a huge waste of time waiting so long.

El equipo sufrió una dolorosa pérdida en la final.

A2

The team suffered a painful loss in the final.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • extravío (misplacement)
  • derrota (defeat)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pérdida total – total loss (often for insurance/accidents)
  • pérdida de peso – weight loss

loss

Also: damage
NounfB1formal
An empty brown leather wallet lying open on a wooden table, illustrating a financial loss or deficit.

📝 In Action

La compañía tuvo que absorber la pérdida de diez millones de euros.

B1

The company had to absorb the loss of ten million euros.

Las inversiones generaron grandes pérdidas en el último año.

B2

The investments generated great losses in the last year.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • déficit (deficit)
  • quebranto (financial damage)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pérdidas y ganancias – profit and loss (P&L)
  • declarar pérdidas – to declare losses

bereavement

Also: grief
NounfB2formal
A lone person sitting quietly on a bench in a peaceful garden, holding a single closed white flower petal in reflection, symbolizing bereavement.

📝 In Action

Le ofrecí mis condolencias por la irreparable pérdida de su madre.

B2

I offered him my condolences for the irreparable loss of his mother.

Es difícil superar una pérdida tan grande.

C1

It is difficult to overcome such a great loss (grief).

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • sentir la pérdida – to feel the loss

leak

Also: leakage
NounfB1
A bright blue metal bucket sitting on wet ground with a stream of water actively leaking from a small hole near its base.

📝 In Action

Hay una pérdida de gas en la cocina, ¡llama al técnico!

B1

There is a gas leak in the kitchen, call the technician!

Detectamos una pérdida de información confidencial.

B2

We detected a loss (leakage) of confidential information.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • pérdida de agua – water leak

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "pérdida" in Spanish:

bereavement→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: pérdida

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'pérdida' in the context of business finance?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Spanish verb 'perder' (to lose), which itself descends from the Latin verb *perdere*, meaning 'to throw away' or 'to destroy'. It has always carried the core meaning of something ceasing to be possessed.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: perdaItalian: perdita

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'pérdida' y 'derrota'?

'Pérdida' (loss) is very general and can refer to objects, money, or people. 'Derrota' (defeat) is specifically used when one loses a competition, battle, or game. You would never say 'la derrota de mis llaves'.

Can I use 'pérdida' to talk about weight loss?

Yes, absolutely! The phrase 'pérdida de peso' is the standard way to say 'weight loss' in Spanish.