Loose vs Lose | Definition, Meaning & Examples

Lose and loose have different pronunciations and usually act as different parts of speech.

  • Lose (single “o”; pronounced [loo-z] with a “z” sound) is a verb that means “fail to win” or “misplace.”
  • Loose (double “o”; pronounced [loo-s] with a soft “s”) is an adjective or adverb that means “not tight” or “not secure.” When used as a verb, it means “release.”
Examples: Lose in a sentence Examples: Loose in a sentence
If you lose your passport, it will take several weeks to replace it. I nearly fell off my bike because the seat was loose.
A true fan will support their team even if they lose. It was more a loose relationship than a formal partnership.

Loose as an adjective

Loose is a very versatile adjective and has many related meanings. Very often, it means the opposite of “tight.”

Loose as an adjective
Meaning Example
Not bound together Lisa preferred to use a loose-leaf binder rather than a notebook.
Lacking precision The contract was worthless because the definitions were too loose.
Not attached securely The wheel fell off because the nuts had worked loose.
Not tight-fitting It was Tony’s favorite summer shirt because of its comfortable, loose fit.
Not solid/not compact The fencepost went into the loose soil without too much effort.
Relaxed or flexible They weren’t sure what time they would be able to meet, so they kept the arrangements loose.
Free from being restrained or confined The news was full of reports of a dangerous prisoner who was on the loose.
Lacking in restraint or control (sometimes with a moral dimension) Bill’s loose morals and attitude led him into lots of trouble.

Loose as a verb

If you make something less tight or untie a knot, you can use loose as a verb to describe that. There is a common expression “let loose” which refers to letting something or someone free from restraint (whether literally or metaphorically).

Examples: Loose as a verb
If you loose a knot, it means you untie it.

The officer let loose the police dog to catch the suspect.

The president decided it was time to let loose the attack dogs.

Note
It is quite rare to use loose as a verb. It’s much more usual to find lose used as a verb.

Other uses of loose

There are many common phrases and idioms where loose is used as an adjective or adverb.

Expressions using loose
Expression Meaning
These days I almost never have any loose change to give away. Coins that have a low monetary value
Brian was seen as something of a loose cannon in a meeting. Someone who lacks control and is unreliable
When the game ended, all hell broke loose among the supporters as they celebrated the win. Chaos ensued
It was always a risk to tell Jeff anything because he was so loose-lipped. Unable to be discreet or to keep a secret
During a thunderstorm, you would think that my cat has a screw loose. Is mentally unstable

Lose is a verb

Lose can mean “suffer a loss,” or in the context of sports or other games, it means “fail to win.”

Examples: Lose meaning to suffer a loss
The election victory party grew somber as people gradually realized they might lose after all.

It can be terribly hard to lose someone you love, but there are counseling services who can help.

You must wear appropriate safety gear when using the grinder, or you could lose an eye.

Lose can also mean “misplace” or “fail to keep something.”

Examples: Lose meaning misplace or fail to keep
People’s number one fear these days is to lose their phone.

The last few weeks or school were difficult for Ryan as he began to lose focus.

It was frustrating for Angela, as the party’s policies were sure to lose her votes, despite her personal popularity.

Lose can also mean to “accidentally or deliberately get rid of something.”

Examples: Lose meaning to get rid of
Alex’s new diet and exercise regime helped him to lose weight healthily.

It’s time to lose the negative attitude and make progress!

There are many common phrases using lose.

Expressions using lose
Examples Meaning
It was difficult not to lose heart with the way the team was performing. Become discouraged
It is important not to lose your temper when working in customer service. Become angry
Nobody likes to be told off at work and lose face. Lose the respect of other people
Andy was so worried about exams, he thought he might lose his mind. Become irrational or mentally unstable
The mark of a great champion is their ability not to lose their nerve in the big games. Become afraid, or back off from a challenge
Viv was worried that her colleagues would lose respect for her if she remained silent. Respect someone less than you did before
It’s very easy to lose sleep over financial worries. Worry excessively about something

Loser vs looser

Loser is a noun that describes a person or group that loses a competition or game. The opposite of loser is “winner.” Informally, it is used as an insult about a person. Looser, on the other hand, is a comparative adjective meaning “more loose.”

Example: Loser in a sentence Example: Looser in a sentence
Anna’s concession speech marked her out as a gracious loser. The rules of grammar in text messages to your friends are much looser than in formal academic writing.

Frequently asked questions about loose vs lose

Is it loose weight or lose weight?

Lose weight is the correct phrase. Lose and loose have different pronunciations, meanings, and grammatical functions. Lose means to no longer have something which you had previously. 

  • Lose has a long “o” and a “z” sound. It is a verb that means “suffer loss” or “misplace.”
  • Loose also has a long “o” sound, but the “s” is soft. It is an adjective or adverb that means “not tight” or “not secure.” Occasionally loose is used as a verb meaning “release.”

You used to have some weight which you no longer have, so you lose weight. It means that your clothes will now be loose as they are no longer so tight.

Is loose ever a verb?

Loose is sometimes used as a verb, although it isn’t that common. When used in this way, it means “release” or “set free.”

  • The archer loosed the arrow.
  • Remember to loose the knot before trying to set sail.
Is there an easy way to remember whether to use lose or loose?

You can try this handy mnemonic to remember when to use “lose” vs. “loose”:

  • Lose (get rid of) one “o” to lose [looz] something—this might help you to remember that lose is the word you want if you are talking about misplacing something or failing to win.

 

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Trevor Marshall, MSc

Trevor has a BA in English Literature & Language and an MSc in Applied Social Studies. He has been a teacher for 25 years, with 15 years experience teaching ESL alongside 1st language students.