lost in action

Adjective

lost in action (not comparable)

1. (euphemistic) Killed during military combat.
   • Kouchner's comments came after another French marine was killed bringing to 29 the number of French forces lost in action.2009 August 7, John Metzler, “High stakes for democracy (and terrorism) as Afghans prepare to vote”, in World Tribune, US, retrieved 15 Sep 2010
2. (usually, resources) Destroyed during military combat.
   • Summing up the furious October 22-27 battle in the longest Naval communique of the war, the department identified six American ships lost in action.1944 November 18, “Navy Lists Ships Lost in Battle of Philippines”, in Daytona Beach Morning Journal, retrieved 15 Sep 2010, page 1
3. (broadly, figuratively, usually, things, policies) Rejected, nullified, incapacitated, or rendered unavailable.
   • The Bulls were definitely stung by the Hornets at the beginning of this first playoff game. Some Bulls were lost in action.1995 April 29, Rick Telander, “Jordan Does the Stinging”, in Chicago Sun-Times, retrieved 15 Sep 2010
   • [T]he bean sprouts, cilantro, green onions and peanuts—which give pad thai its flavor and crunch—were so soggy or lost in action that no amount of lobster, sugar or spice could save the dish from its torpor.2001 June 8, Pascale Le Draoulec, “Flashy Thai, Ordinary Food”, in New York Daily News, retrieved 15 Sep 2010