A1verb1K

Lose

UK /["/luːz/","/ˈluːzɪz/","/lɒst/","/ˈluːzɪŋ/"]/US /["/luːz/","/ˈluːzɪz/","/lɔːst/","/ˈluːzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be unable to find something/somebody

In simple words: to no longer have something; to not win

Examples

  • I tend to lose my keys all the time.
  • If you don't study, you might lose the exam.
  • He did not want to lose the game.
  • I always lose track of time when I read a good book.
  • It's hard to lose weight without regular exercise.
  • She tried not to lose hope during difficult times.
  • You should not lose your temper when things go wrong.
  • They are afraid they will lose their way in the dark.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for expressing the loss of items, competitions, or even relationships. Avoid using in overly formal written contexts.

Grammar pattern

lose + object

Memory hint

Think of 'lose' as 'lose the game', where you can imagine a player dropping the ball.

Collocations

  • forever
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be likely to
  • forever
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be likely to
  • forever
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be likely to
  • hate to
  • not bear to
  • not like to
  • against
  • by
  • to
  • win or lose
  • forever
  • be about to
  • be going to
  • be likely to

Synonyms

  • mislay
  • evade, shake off

Antonyms

  • win
  • gain
  • retain

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'loose' - they sound similar but have different meanings.
  • Using 'losing' instead of 'lost' for past events.
  • Mixing up 'lose' with 'loose' in written sentences.