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.
Following his legal trouble, Chacon was booted from his agency and lost out on a role in an upcoming movie, per Deadline. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026 In the ‘Groundhog Day’-esque nightmare that never ends, the ‘urgent’ and ‘engaged’ Boston Red Sox are up a creek without a paddle, vessel, and excuse, having lost out on a top – and very sign-able – free-agent target once again. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026 At the 1991 Globes ceremony, the young actor lost out to Gérard Depardieu for the film Green Card. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026 Explain the mechanism that Washington used to compel quarterback Demond Williams to return because the consequences were too onerous to ignore, like LSU losing out on $4 million in NIL for 2026 or however it’s phrased. Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026 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 19 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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