Synonyms for

Lose

Verb / lu:z / Another word for lose — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To be deprived of something, to fail to win, to fail to keep or maintain

Synonyms & similar words

keep recede win profit turnaloss suffer misplace fallback mislay find gain fallbehind miss dropoff misplace forfeit surrender miss fail drop displace waste squander

Synonyms by register

Formal

forfeit misplace deprive

Informal

flub blow drop mess up

Literary

wane perish

Antonyms

find win gain keep acquire obtain secure

Common collocations

  • lose weight
  • lose control
  • lose touch
  • lose track
  • lose heart
  • lose sight
  • lose money
  • lose consciousness

Word family

noun loss
verb lose
adjective lost

Usage note

Often confused with 'loose', which is an adjective meaning not tight. 'Lose' is always a verb.

Example sentences

  1. If you don't put your toys away, you might lose them.
  2. I hope we don't lose the game.
  3. I can't find my keys. I think I might have lost them.
  4. I don't want to lose my friends.
  5. If you don't study, you might lose your chance to pass the test.

Quotes

  • The only way to get what you really want is to let go of what you don't want. - Iyanla Vanzant
  • You can't win unless you learn how to lose. - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • It's not about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. - Rocky Balboa

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