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

Tax loss selling is when an investor sells an asset at a capital loss to lower or eliminate the capital gain realized by other investments, for income tax purposes.

From Reuters • Dec. 27, 2022

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

Can the clubs write down a capital loss if the guy breaks a leg the first night out?

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2018

The State cannot afford to risk a large capital loss.

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