WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
lost′ mo′tion, [Mach.]
  1. Mechanical Engineeringmotion of a machine or mechanism, esp. a reciprocating one, during which no useful work is performed.
  2. Mechanical Engineeringmotion between parts in an assembly due to manufacturing tolerances, adjustments, slip, or wear.
  • 1875–80

'lost motion' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
backlash

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