capital loss

American  

noun

1. loss from the sale of assets, as of bonds or real estate.

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Etymology

Origin of capital loss

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

“When we sell one to bank the capital loss, we don’t want to lose that exposure, so we purchase another similar defensive-type position.”

From Barron's • Mar. 21, 2026

Vivendi holds 24% of TIM, an investment exposing it to a potential 1.8 billion euro capital loss at current market prices.

From Reuters • Nov. 11, 2021

It’s better to adjust your spending habits to the low-rate environment than it is to risk a permanent capital loss by reaching for yield.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 18, 2021

If ten-year yields rise by half a percentage-point, it would mean a capital loss of around 4% but the 3% interest would almost offset it.

From Economist • May 24, 2018

The decay of agriculture alone has caused a capital loss which approximates 2,000,000,000l.

From British Socialism An Examination of Its Doctrines, Policy, Aims and Practical Proposals by Barker, J. Ellis