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.
It was nominated for Outstanding Drama Series at the Emmys in 2011, losing out to Mad Men, but Kyle Chandler won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Jason Katims won for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series. Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 May 2026 Eldridge is far from the last player who will lose out on a home run because of Oracle Park’s spacious dimensions. Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 May 2026 Those programs lose out when closure savings are absorbed back into CDCR. Brian Kaneda, Oc Register, 26 May 2026 Critics worry that if the bill passes, the state will lose out on millions of dollars in tax revenue from an industry that could come to Colorado with or without the new incentives. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 May 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 2 Jun. 2026.

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