lose
If you don't study, you might lose the exam.
Not preparing can lead to failing the test.
to fail to keep possession of something
She lost her keys and couldn't get into her house.
She couldn't find her keys and was locked out.
Often used with 'to' to indicate the thing lost.
to fail to win a game or competition
The team lost the championship by one point.
They were defeated in the final game.
Common in sports contexts.
to suffer a disadvantage or setback
He lost his job due to the company's downsizing.
He was fired because the company reduced staff.
Can imply a negative outcome.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake
Remember that 'lose' is a verb, not an adjective. The adjective form is 'loose'.
Gold Rule
Verb Usage
'Lose' is an irregular verb: lose (present), lost (past), lost (past participle).
Word Origin
From Middle English 'losen', from Old English 'losian', meaning 'to perish, destroy, or lose'. Related to Old Norse 'losa' and Old High German 'lōsan'.
Usage Notes
Often confused with 'loose' (not tight). 'Lose' is a verb, while 'loose' is an adjective.