An acceptable loss, also known as acceptable damage, is a military euphemism used to indicate casualties or destruction inflicted by an enemy that is considered minor or tolerable. In combat situations leaders have to often choose between options where no one solution is perfect and all choices will lead to casualties or other costs to their unit. The concept of acceptable losses has also been adopted to business use, meaning taking necessary risks and the general costs of doing business, also covered with terms such as waste or shrinkage.