Phrasal verb
lose out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
lose out
Past
lost out
Past participle
lost out
Definition
phrasal verb. to fail to get an advantage or opportunity that other people get. You use this when you miss a chance because someone else was faster or better.
phrasal verb. to be disadvantaged or deprived of an opportunity, especially in a competitive context. The verb is intransitive and frequently takes the preposition 'on' to specify the missed benefit.
Examples
“Small shops often lose out to big supermarkets.”
“If you don't book your tickets early, you might lose out on the best seats.”
“Local communities frequently lose out when multinational corporations prioritize global profits over regional development and environmental sustainability.”
Examples
simple
“Small shops often lose out to big supermarkets.”
contextual
“If you don't book your tickets early, you might lose out on the best seats.”
complex
“Local communities frequently lose out when multinational corporations prioritize global profits over regional development and environmental sustainability.”
Usage
often followed by 'on' plus a noun or 'to' plus a competitor.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'lose' (to misplace or fail to win); 'lose out' emphasizes the missed opportunity or the relative disadvantage.
Pitfall
They lost out the contract.
They lost out on the contract.
the phrasal verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'on' before the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
lose + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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