Loose: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is not firmly fixed in place or is not tight-fitting. Often used for clothing, objects, or situations that can move freely.

• The door handle is loose; it keeps jiggling
• She prefers loose clothing for yoga classes

Commonly used to describe clothing that hangs loosely on the body, often with extra material. This term is often associated with casual or relaxed fashion.

• He wore baggy jeans and an oversized t-shirt
• Baggy sweaters are perfect for lounging at home

Refers to a space, container, or piece of clothing that has plenty of space or is large. It is usually used in a positive context to highlight comfort and spaciousness.

• The new apartment is quite roomy, with plenty of space for furniture
• These shoes are very roomy, ideal for long walks

Often used to describe something that is not tight, such as a rope, line, or chain. It can also refer to a lack of tension in a system or laziness in people, sometimes having a negative connotation.

• The rope was slack, so they tightened it
• His work has been a bit slack recently, and he needs to improve

Use when something is not tight or confined.

• The dog is loose in the backyard.
• Her hair was loose and flowing.

Use when letting someone or something go, often with a sense of formally or officially allowing freedom.

• They decided to release the prisoner on parole.
• The company plans to release the new product next month.

Use in situations where someone or something is being set free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression. Often used in a more formal or dramatic context.

• The soldiers fought to liberate the village.
• She felt liberated after quitting her stressful job.

Use when someone or something is not under control or constraint, often in a broad sense about liberty.

• After years in prison, he was finally free.
• The animal was free to roam the wilderness.