Crossword Genius

Mortality figures may be a complete write-off (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dead loss

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'write-off' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dead loss that I've seen before include "unprofitable" , "Dud" , "Totally useless item" , "Unproductive person or thing" , "write-off" .)

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