verb
lose
To fail to win a competition or dispute.
Our team refuses to lose without putting up a fight.
Etymology
The older verb concerned becoming lost or coming to ruin. Its competitive use applies that failure to a contest, where a person fails to secure victory.
More examples
- She lost the final match by two points.
- They hate losing at cards.
- He might lose the election.
Forms
lose · loses · lost · losing
loser noun — a person who does not win
Similar words
- fail
- Broader; includes unsuccessful efforts outside competitions.
- be beaten
- Specifically identifies defeat by an opponent.