lost in action

adjective

1. euphemistic, not comparable, of a military serviceperson 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.
2. not comparable, usually, of military equipment 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.
3. broadly, figuratively, not comparable, usually, of persons 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.