English Word Lose Meaning and Definition

Word of the Day: Lose

A person who is beaten by the competition, loses to the winner. Losing is the opposite of winning. The word “lose” is an irregular verb:

• How many games have they lost this year? (This question is in the present perfect tense.)
• Their team never loses a game.
• Michael Phelps lost the race, but he still won a medal.
• The Cubs are losing right now, but they have a chance to make a comeback this inning.
• She lost the race but kept her dignity.
• It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game that really matters. (This is a popular saying in the U.S.)

When this word is in the form of a noun, it becomes “loss.”

• They have three losses and five wins.
• His loss was incredible, but he’s okay.
• We don’t consider this a loss; instead, we think of it as an opportunity for improvement.
• I’m so sorry for your loss. (This is something you can say when someone you know loses a family member to death.)

A person who loses constantly is called a “loser.” The “s” in “loser” is a “z” sound. In some situtions, the word “loser” is a little derogatory and its use may be intended to hurt a person’s feelings, so be careful how you use it.

• Don is such a loser. He can’t do anything right.
• Don’t hang out with them. They’re losers.
• You loser.
• No one wants to be a loser.
• The losers of the game have to buy drinks for the winners. (In this example, the word “loser” is not derogatory.)

Essential English Dictionary

Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with L page to see the list of all words starting with letter L. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.