actual loss
noun [ C ]
ukus FINANCE, ACCOUNTING
the money that is lost when something is sold, because it has gone down in value, or when costs and the effects of inflation are included:
I'll hold at the moment, because it's too much of an actual loss if I sell now.
Compare
paper loss
LAW
the money that is lost or will be lost as a result of something, which can be calculated and clearly shown:
The High Court sought to make the final damages reflect Mr Smith's actual loss.