Phrasal verbs "lose out" vs "lose out to"

Differences between lose out and lose out to

Lose out means to be at a disadvantage or to fail to gain something, while lose out to means to be defeated by someone or something in a competition or comparison.

Meanings and Definitions: lose out vs lose out to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Lose out

• 1. Be at a disadvantage.

  Many people LOST OUT when the new regulations were enforced.

Lose out to

• 1. Be less successful.

  People without IT skills often LOSE OUT TO those with the skills.

Usage Examples: lose out, lose out to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

lose out

Example

If we don't act quickly, we might lose out on this great opportunity.

Example

She loses out on the promotion because she didn't apply in time.

lose out to

Example

The local team lost out to the visiting team in the final match.

Example

She often loses out to her classmates in academic competitions.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lose out

miss out on

To fail to take advantage of an opportunity or experience.

Example

She missed out on the chance to study abroad because she didn't apply on time.

fall behind

To lag or be at a disadvantage compared to others in a particular area.

Example

If you don't study regularly, you might fall behind in your classes and struggle to catch up.

come up short

To fail to achieve a goal or expectation.

Example

Despite his hard work, he came up short in the final exam and had to retake the course.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lose out to

be beaten by

To be defeated or outperformed by someone or something in a competition or comparison.

Example

The team was beaten by their rivals in the championship game and missed the trophy.

surrender to

To give up or yield to someone or something that is stronger or more powerful.

Example

After a long legal battle, the company surrendered to the demands of the workers' union.

yield to

To give way or submit to someone or something that is stronger or more influential.

Example

The government yielded to public pressure and revised the controversial policy.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “lose”

• lose out on
• lose out to

Phrasal Verbs with “out”

• bottle out
• cop out
• eat out
• reach out
• fluff out

Phrasal Verbs with “out to”

• reach out to
• be out to
• go out to
• start out to

Differences in lose out vs lose out to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: lose out or lose out to?

In everyday conversation, lose out is more common than lose out to. Lose out can be used in various contexts, such as losing an opportunity or being disadvantaged in a situation. Lose out to is more specific and usually used when talking about losing a competition or comparison.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of lose out and lose out to

Both lose out and lose out to are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of lose out and lose out to

The tone of lose out and lose out to can differ based on context. Lose out often carries a negative or disappointed tone when related to missing out on something, while lose out to typically has a competitive or resigned tone, especially when referring to losing a competition or comparison.

lose out & lose out to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Lose out

Synonyms

• miss out
• be disadvantaged
• suffer a loss
• fail to benefit
• be left behind
• be defeated

Antonyms

• gain
• benefit
• win
• succeed
• profit
• take advantage

Lose out to

Synonyms

• be defeated by
• be outperformed by
• be surpassed by
• fall behind
• be disadvantaged compared to

Antonyms

• outperform
• surpass
• defeat
• prevail over
• triumph over