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

His previous managerial run with the San Diego Padres ended in a mid-season firing after four consecutive losing campaigns, leaving him with a dismal 274-366 career record entering this year. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Stock futures are in the red following a losing day on Wall Street. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Fickell entered the season opener on the coaching hot seat after consecutive losing seasons that included blowout losses to rivals Iowa and Minnesota the last two years. — Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Mozeliak has no idea whether Kroenke might invite him to stay, but for now the plan of rebuilding the team and reorganizing the front office remains on course, in the interest of serving fans weary and frustrated after 12 consecutive losing seasons. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 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