These two words look almost identical, yet they live in totally different lanes. Lose is about loss (you don’t have something, you don’t win, you leave something behind). Loose is about not being tight (not firmly attached, not fitted closely, not held together).
Lose: Meaning and Grammar
Lose is a verb. It expresses losing possession, missing something, or failing to win. It can also mean getting rid of something, like weight. ✅Source
Where Lose Usually Shows Up
- Misplace something: “I lost my receipt.”
- Not win: “They lost the match.”
- No longer have something: “She lost interest.”
- Get rid of something: “He wants to lose weight.”
- Core Idea
- Lose always points to a loss—something is gone, missed, or not achieved.
- Common Forms
- lose (present) • lost (past) • losing (progressive)
Loose: Meaning and Grammar
Loose is most often an adjective meaning not tight or not firmly attached. It can also be a verb (to loose) meaning release or even shoot (as in “loose an arrow”). ✅Source
Loose As An Adjective
- Not tight: loose shirt, loose grip, loose knot
- Not firmly fixed: loose screw, loose tile, loose tooth
- Not held together: loose papers, loose threads
Loose As A Verb
- Release: “They loosed the rope.”
- Shoot: “He loosed a volley.”
- Set free: “Let the dog loose.”
Pronunciation: Same Look, Different Sound
Lose is pronounced /luːz/. That last sound is a z sound, like in “zoo,” even though the word ends with the letter “s.” ✅Source
This is why lose rhymes with choose and news. The spelling is quiet about it, but the sound is clear once you notice the ending.
Loose is pronounced /luːs/. The ending is a crisp s sound, like in “say.” ✅Source
Common Collocations and Examples
In real writing, the easiest signal is the neighbor words that cluster around each form. Lose tends to sit next to contests, items, and states. Loose tends to sit next to clothing, fasteners, and things that move around.
Lose In Natural Phrases
- lose your keys / wallet / phone
- lose a game / bet / point
- lose patience / focus / interest
- lose track of time
Loose In Natural Phrases
- loose shoelaces / knot / lid
- loose screw / bolt / wire
- loose hair / loose clothing
- let someone or something loose
A Small Form Detail People Notice Late
Losing (from lose) is common. Loosing (from loose) exists too, but it means releasing or letting something go. Same letters, very different job.
Typical Mix-Ups In Writing
Most mix-ups happen when the sentence is clearly about loss, yet the spelling drifts to loose. These are the classic spots where the difference matters immediately.
- ❌ loose weight → ✅ lose weight (loss is the meaning)
- ❌ loose the game → ✅ lose the game (not win is the meaning)
- ❌ loose your place → ✅ lose your place (misplace or miss is the meaning)
- ❌ a lose screw → ✅ a loose screw (not tight is the meaning)
- ❌ hair is lose → ✅ hair is loose (not tied back is the meaning)
A Fast Meaning Check That Stays Purely About Language
- If the sentence is about not having something, it’s lose.
- If the sentence is about not being tight, it’s loose.
- If you can swap in misplace or fail, you’re in lose territory.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Word | Part Of Speech | Core Meaning | Pronunciation | Clean Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lose | verb | misplace, not win, no longer have | /luːz/ | “Don’t lose your ticket.” |
| loose | adjective (often) / verb (sometimes) | not tight / not firmly attached / released | /luːs/ | “The cap is loose.” |
FAQ
Questions People Ask About Lose And Loose
Do “Lose” And “Loose” Mean The Same Thing?
No. Lose is about loss (not having, not winning, missing). Loose is about not being tight or being released.
Is “Loose” Ever A Verb?
Yes. To loose can mean release or shoot, depending on context. It’s less common than the adjective use, but it’s real English.
Which One Goes With “Weight”?
It’s lose weight, because the meaning is to get rid of something (a form of loss).
Is “Loosing” A Word?
Yes. Loosing is the “-ing” form of loose as a verb, meaning releasing. Losing (one “o”) is from lose.
Do They Rhyme?
No. Lose ends with a z sound (/luːz/), while loose ends with an s sound (/luːs/).
What Does “Loose Change” Mean?
It uses loose because the coins are not held together (not in a roll, not bundled). The idea is free or uncontained, not lost.