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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Despite public backlash and perception, DEI work persists because most teams are global, and firms don’t want to lose out on the international market. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Russia stands to further lose out on potentially lucrative investments and infrastructure projects, if Iran is severely destabilized. Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 23 June 2025 Oh Mary!, which lost out on best play, but took home trophies for its lead, Cole Escola, and director Sam Pinkleton, saw its grosses shoot up $152,000 last week to hit $1.35 million, marking the 12th time the play has broken the house record at the Lyceum Theater. Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025 And really, losing out here isn’t the end of the world. Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for lose out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lose out was circa 1858

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Cite this Entry

“Lose out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lose%20out. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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