lose out

verb

lost out; losing out; loses out

intransitive verb

: to fail to win in competition : fail to receive an expected reward or gain

Examples of lose out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The speaker had the votes and the mayor didn’t and the restaurants lost out. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

Letterman won this category in 2024 for his John Mulaney episode, but lost out last year to Conan O’Brien Must Go. — Peter White, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026

But someone signing somewhere else isn’t always a case of losing out. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026

Sellers may lose out on a better deal because fewer buyers know their home is available. — Derrick Johnson, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lose out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout