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lose

/luːz/
verb★Beginner— to fail to keep or maintain something
general

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.

Sports

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.

general

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

lose patienceto become impatientlose weightto reduce body weightlose trackto stop paying attention

Synonyms

misplaceforfeitsurrenderfail

Antonyms

wingainkeepretain

Related Phrases

lose one's temperphrase
to become angry
lose outphrase
to miss an opportunity

💡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.

Word Breakdown

lose
to fail to keep
root
English Dictionary

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