B2adjective2K

Loose

UK /["/luːs/"]/US /["/luːs/"]/

Definition

not securely fixed where it should be; able to become separated from something

In simple words: Not tight; has space around it.

Examples

The screw is loose and needs to be tightened.
She wore a loose dress that flowed elegantly.
The dog managed to escape from the loose leash.
He tends to make loose interpretations of the rules.
The team's loose strategy allowed for a lot of creativity.

Usage notes

Use 'loose' for things that are not tight or secure. Avoid using it in formal contexts where precision is needed, as it may sound informal.

Grammar pattern

loose + object

Memory hint

Think of a loose shoe that slips off easily.

Collocations

be
feel
seem
rather
a little
slightly
be
fall
hang
be
break
cut

Synonyms

baggy
relaxed
unsecured
slack
free

Antonyms

tight
secure
firm

Common mistakes

Confused with 'lose' which means to not have something.
Using ‘looser’ when the context needs ‘loose’ as an adjective.
Saying 'loose’ when you mean 'loosed' in past tense.