Lose

/luːz/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to fail to keep or to maintain; to cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense.
If you don't start studying, you might lose your chance to pass the exam.
to suffer the loss of someone or something.
They were devastated when they lost their family pet.
to allow something to escape, especially in a competitive situation.
The team worked hard but ended up losing the championship game.
to become unable to find something.
I always seem to lose my keys when I'm in a hurry.
to weaken or diminish (as in vitality, strength, or effectiveness).
If you don’t exercise regularly, you may lose muscle tone.

Etymology

Middle English: from Old English 'losian', of unknown origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lose track of
to forget the time or where you are
lose one's mind
to become crazy or very upset
lose face
to suffer a loss of respect or reputation

Related Words

loss
the fact or process of losing something or someone
loser
a person or thing that loses
losing
the process of failing to win or gain something

Slang Meanings

to fail miserably
He totally lost at that presentation.
to not be able to keep up or succeed
If you don't study, you're gonna lose big time.