lost in action

adjective3

1. •
   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
2. •
   (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
3. •
   (figurative) 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