dead loss

British  

noun

1. informal a person, thing, or situation that is completely useless or unprofitable

2. a complete loss for which no compensation is received

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dead loss Idioms  

1. A total loss, as in They've changed the currency, so these old coins are a dead loss . [Early 1700s]

2. A worthless person or thing; also, an utter waste of time. For example, With an injured knee he's a dead loss to the team , or It rained every day, so our week at the beach was a dead loss . [1920s]

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Example Sentences

“Coach Tuberville was as surprised as anyone to learn Stroud had lost all the money, including Coach’s. He never received a dime; it was a dead loss for him and his family,” Mr. McDonald said.

From New York Times

“He never received a dime - it was a dead loss for him and his family between his initial investment, legal fees and eventual settlement.”

From Washington Times

However, though psychics may think they offer a harmless coping mechanism for grief, “at best, it is reckless for a stranger to take a stab at ventriloquizing the dead. Loss is complicated, and mourning doesn’t look the same for everyone,” Oliver said.

From The Guardian

As a navigational tool, the Mappa Mundi would clearly be a dead loss.

From The New Yorker

The conference was a dead loss, but the official spin put on its dismal performance was that “useful spadework” was being done.

From The Guardian