Lose: meaning, definitions and examples

General situations when someone doesn't win or obtain something they hoped for.

• I hope our team doesn't lose the match
• He didn’t study, so he might lose the competition

When someone is overpowered or beaten in a competition or conflict, often used in more formal or serious contexts.

• Our army was defeated in the battle
• The champion was defeated in the final round

Emphasizes the inability to achieve victory or success, often used in a neutral or slightly sympathetic tone.

• They tried their best but failed to win the tournament
• She failed to win the scholarship despite her excellent grades

Often used in situations involving sports, business, or personal loss, indicating a significant negative outcome.

• The company suffered a loss of profits this quarter
• Their team suffered a loss in the semi-finals

This word is also used in the context of not winning a competition, game, or battle.

• They didn't want to lose the football game.
• She was upset because she lost the match.

Similar to 'mislay', this word is used when you put something in the wrong place and can't locate it. It is often used for important or valuable items.

• She misplaced her passport just before the trip.
• I have misplaced the receipt, so I can't return the item.

This word is used when you temporarily put something in the wrong place and can't find it. It implies that the item is not permanently lost and can still be found.

• I've mislaid my glasses somewhere in the house.
• He mislaid the document he was working on.

This is used when you no longer have something, either intentionally or unintentionally. It can refer to a variety of contexts, such as losing a game, losing an item, or losing weight.

• I don't want to lose this game.
• She might lose her keys if she's not careful.
• He is trying to lose weight before the summer.

This is used when talking about losing something naturally or gradually over time, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. It can refer to shedding hair, tears, or even shedding light on a topic.

• Snakes shed their skin periodically.
• He shed a tear during the movie.
• This study sheds new light on the issue.

This is used when something falls from a higher position to a lower one, either accidentally or intentionally. It is also used in specific situations like dropping a course or project.

• I accidentally drop my phone.
• You should drop him a message.
• She decided to drop the class because it was too hard.

This is specifically used in the context of losing weight, often indicating a more gradual or healthy approach. It usually has a positive connotation.

• She is trying to slim down for her wedding.
• He began to slim down after joining the gym.