lose

[luːz]

lose Definition

• 1. be deprived of or cease to have something
• 2. fail to win (a game or contest)
• 3. fail to keep or maintain

Using lose: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lose" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I don't want to lose my keys again.

• Example

  The team lost the game by two points.

• Example

  She lost her job due to budget cuts.

• Example

  He lost his temper and yelled at his coworkers.

lose Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for lose

• miss
• forfeit
• surrender
• yield
• drop

Antonyms for lose

• win
• gain
• keep
• maintain
• achieve

Idioms Using lose

• lose face

  to suffer a loss of respect or reputation

  Example

  If we cancel the event now, we'll lose face with our sponsors.

• lose sleep over something

  to worry about something excessively

  Example

  I've been losing sleep over the upcoming exam.

• lose touch

  to stop communicating with someone

  Example

  After she moved to another country, we lost touch with each other.

Phrases with lose

• lose out

  fail to take advantage of an opportunity

  Example

  If you don't apply for the scholarship, you'll lose out on the chance to study abroad.

• lose your cool

  to become angry or upset

  Example

  I'm sorry I lost my cool earlier. I didn't mean to yell at you.

• lose your mind

  to become crazy or insane

  Example

  I think I'm going to lose my mind if I have to work overtime again this week.

Origins of lose

from Old English 'losian', meaning 'perish, destroy'

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Summary: lose in Brief

The verb 'lose' [luːz] means to be deprived of something, fail to win a game or contest, or fail to keep or maintain something. It can refer to losing keys, games, jobs, or temper. Phrases like 'lose out' and idioms like 'lose face' extend the meaning to missed opportunities and loss of reputation. 'Lose' also appears in phrases like 'lose your cool' and 'lose your mind,' indicating anger and insanity.