losing
v. · adj. · n.-
1 failing to win (v.) A2 Elementary Sportto be defeated in a game, race, or competition.
the present participle of 'lose', indicating a state of being defeated in a contest or failing to maintain a lead.
ExampleThe team is losing the game because they aren't playing well together.
ExampleDespite their early dominance, the home side found themselves losing the match after a series of defensive errors in the final quarter.
UsageOften used in the continuous aspect to describe an ongoing competition.
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2 misplacing or reducing (v.) A2 Elementarythe act of misplacing something or having less of something than before.
the process of being deprived of something or experiencing a reduction in quantity or quality.
ExampleHe is losing weight by eating healthy food and exercising every day.
ExampleThe company is losing market share to smaller, more agile competitors who are better at adapting to digital trends.
UsageCommonly used with abstract nouns like 'patience', 'weight', or 'interest'.
- misplacing
- dropping
- depleting
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3 unsuccessful (adj.) B1 Intermediatedescribing someone or something that does not win.
characterised by failure or defeat; typically modifying a noun to indicate an unsuccessful outcome.
ExampleHe was on the losing side of the argument and had to apologise.
ExampleThe candidate's losing campaign was later analysed by political scientists to understand why his message failed to resonate with voters.
UsageFrequently appears in the fixed phrase 'the losing side'.
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4 the act of loss (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe process of something being lost or taken away.
the gerundial form used to denote the action or process of experiencing a loss.
ExampleThe losing of his keys caused him a lot of stress that morning.
ExampleThe systematic losing of traditional knowledge is a major concern for anthropologists working with indigenous communities.
UsageLess common than the noun 'loss'; usually found in formal or literary contexts.