losing

1 of 2

adjective

los·​ing ˈlü-ziŋ 

1

: resulting in or likely to result in defeat

a losing battle

a losing poker hand

2

: marked by many losses or more losses than wins

a losing streak

a losing record

losing

2 of 2

present participle of lose

Examples of losing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The major stock averages were down Thursday, and headed for a losing week, but declines have been modest and strong corporate earnings have left many investors confident in future returns. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

After two consecutive losing seasons that followed its 13-0 march to an Atlantic Coast Conference championship in 2023, FSU once again underwent an offseason of change in the hopes of restoring its program to national prominence. — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Even Timmy Chang at Hawaii went 9-4 after three consecutive losing seasons following a program reset. — Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

If the Wildcats, who are looking to bounce back from two consecutive losing seasons, are good, Schueneman figures to be a catalyst. — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1519, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing losing

• fight a losing battle
• losing his grip on reality
• losing/winning record
• winning/losing streak

Rhymes for losing

• bruising
• choosing
• cruising
• fusing
• musing
• oozing
• using
• abusing
• accusing
• amusing
• confusing
• defusing

Kids Definition

losing

adjective

1

: resulting in or likely to result in defeat

a losing battle

2

: marked by many losses or more losses than wins

a losing record