: presenting two options both of which put one at a disadvantage
a lose-lose proposition

Examples of lose-lose in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If not addressed properly, these issues compound over time, resulting in a lose-lose situation for retailers and buyers alike. Roland Gossage, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 That’s a lose-lose situation for WWE, making a Rhodes-Reigns union—albeit briefly and only to unite against a common enemy—the win-win situation here. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2024 From my own experience working inside and outside of large corporates, setting goals is often a lose-lose situation. Rob Kaplan, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024 An estimate by Moody's shows the 10% tariff would lead to 2.1 million fewer U.S. jobs and a 1.7% smaller economy by 2028. World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said in April the 10% tariff would prompt retaliation from partners, resulting in a lose-lose situation, according to Reuters. Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2024 Jason Alden | Bloomberg | Getty Images The antitrust ruling against Google may not be the lose-lose scenario for the search giant and its key partner Apple that some are predicting. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2024 During a war, NATO would face a lose-lose choice: lose a fight with conventional weapons or initiate a mutually catastrophic nuclear exchange. Keir A. Lieber, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2023 In short, this satellite plan is a lose-lose proposition. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024 Getting into that discussion, in your own words, can be a lose-lose. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lose-lose.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lose-lose was in 1965

Dictionary Entries Near lose-lose

Cite this Entry

“Lose-lose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lose-lose. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

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