Lose Meaning and Definition
Lose
Pronunciation
/luːz/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To fail to win or gain something, often in a competition or contest; to misplace or misdirect something; to dissipate or scatter something, often in an aimless or careless manner.
Examples
- I lost the game, but I’ll try to win the rematch.
- She lost her phone and is still looking for it.
Synonyms
- Fail
- Misplace
- Surrender
Antonyms
- Gain
- Win
- Retain
Etymology
The word ‘Lose’ comes from the Old English word ‘losian,’ meaning ‘to come to an end’ or ‘to be destroyed.’
Usage Notes
When using the word ‘Lose,’ consider the context and connotation. For example, ‘to lose a game’ has a different meaning than ‘to lose a loved one.’
Cultural References
The phrase ‘to lose one’s head’ is a common idiomatic expression, meaning to become excited or flustered. This phrase is often used in literature and film.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- to lose one’s head
- to lose the plot
- to lose one’s train of thought
Related Words or Phrases
- Win
- Gain
- Gain
- Fail
Collocations
- lose one’s wallet
- lose one’s way
- lose one’s temper
Frequency of Use
The word ‘Lose’ is commonly used in everyday language, with over 100 million searches on average per month on search engines.
Common Misspellings
- Loose
- Losey