lose vs loose :

lose or loose

This confusion can easily be avoided if you pronounce the word intended aloud. If it has a voiced Z sound, then it’s “lose.” If it has a hissy S sound, then it’s “loose.” Here are examples of correct usage: “He tends to lose his keys.” “She lets her dog run loose.” Note that when “lose” turns into “losing” it loses its “E.”

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Definitions

  • v  fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
  • v  fail to win
  • v  suffer the loss of a person through death or removal
  • v  place (something) where one cannot find it again
  • v  miss from one's possessions; lose sight of
  • v  allow to go out of sight
  • v  fail to make money in a business; make a loss or fail to profit
  • v  fail to get or obtain
  • v  retreat
  • v  fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
  • v  be set at a disadvantage

  • v  grant freedom to; free from confinement
  • v  turn loose or free from restraint
    let loose mines
  • v  make loose or looser
    loosen the tension on a rope
  • v  become loose or looser or less tight
    The noose loosened
  • a  not compact or dense in structure or arrangement
    loose gravel
  • s  (of a ball in sport) not in the possession or control of any player
    a loose ball
  • a  not tight; not closely constrained or constricted or constricting
    loose clothing
    the large shoes were very loose
  • s  not officially recognized or controlled
    a loose organization of the local farmers
  • s  not literal
    a loose interpretation of what she had been told
  • s  emptying easily or excessively
    loose bowels
  • a  not affixed
    the stamp came loose
  • s  not tense or taut
    the old man's skin hung loose and grey
  • s  (of textures) full of small openings or gaps
    a loose weave
  • s  lacking a sense of restraint or responsibility
    a loose tongue
  • s  not carefully arranged in a package
    a box of loose nails
  • s  having escaped, especially from confinement
    dogs loose on the streets
    criminals on the loose in the neighborhood
  • s  casual and unrestrained in sexual behavior
    he was told to avoid loose (or light) women
  • r  without restraint
    cows in India are running loose
News & Articles

  • Blount schools could lose teachers, staff after voters nix wheel tax
    Blount County Schools could lose up to 84 positions, officials say — from teachers, counselors and teaching assistants to an assistant principal, janitors and maintenance technicians — after voters Tuesday shut down an effort to create a wheel tax by a two-to-one margin.
    June 13, 2013 - Knoxville News Sentinel
  • Nearly 100 teachers to lose jobs in Harford Co.
    Severe budget cuts means dozens of teachers will lose their jobs in Harford County.
    June 12, 2013 - WBAL-TV Baltimore
  • Don’t forget: “Lose Your Lunch Money” event is today
    The Albertville Chamber of Commerce and “Blessings in a Backpack” invites you to “Lose Your Lunch Money” Wednesday, June 12 at the Albertville Farmer’s Market parking lot as well as the Chamber’s circ
    June 12, 2013 - The Sand Mountain Reporter

  • Marco man accused of stealing loose change to buy beer
    A Marco Island man is accused of stealing loose change from a fountain to buy beer Sunday night.
    June 17, 2013 - Naples Daily News
  • Loose cow leads officers on chase through Roy neighborhood
    A cow loose in Davis County on Thursday had homeowners scratching their heads as the animal led authorities on a chase that ended in a Roy woman's backyard.
    June 14, 2013 - KSL Salt Lake City
  • Loose change robber wanted cash
    Police are looking for a man who stole money from a Chevron gas station while searching for loose change in his pocket. Surveillance video from May 7 showed the man walking around the store, located at at 7100 W. McNab Road in North Lauderdale, browsing through merchandise. He grabbed a beverage and approached the checkout counter with a dollar bill and loose change, according to the Broward ...
    June 14, 2013 - Local 10 Miami