# lose out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lose-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They lost out the contract." but "They lost out on the contract." — the phrasal verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'on' before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.