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

After winning four consecutive NFC South titles, the Buccaneers fell just short of another repeat last season despite finishing 8-9, losing out on a tiebreaker to the Carolina Panthers. — Mike Jones, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Storm lost out by roughly 4% of the vote in a 2024 race for the District 6 seat on the Johnson County Commission. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026

We’re done watching our kids lose out because leaders refuse to value every student equally. — Stephanie Vanos, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026

The company competed in a competitive process to continue as the driver services provider but lost out to a lower bid by a company called Thales. — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 24 July 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