Word
losing
Phoneticslos·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫuzɪŋ/
UK/lˈuːzɪŋ/
Definitions
01failing to win
A2 · Elementary Sports
v. to be defeated in a game, race, or competition.
v. the present participle of 'lose', indicating a state of being defeated in a contest or failing to maintain a lead.
“The team is losing the game because they aren't playing well together.”
“Despite their early dominance, the home side found themselves losing the match after a series of defensive errors in the final quarter.”
Usage
Often used in the continuous aspect to describe an ongoing competition.
Antonyms
02misplacing or reducing
A2 · Elementary
v. the act of misplacing something or having less of something than before.
v. the process of being deprived of something or experiencing a reduction in quantity or quality.
“He is losing weight by eating healthy food and exercising every day.”
“The company is losing market share to smaller, more agile competitors who are better at adapting to digital trends.”
Usage
Commonly used with abstract nouns like 'patience', 'weight', or 'interest'.
Synonyms
03unsuccessful
B1 · Intermediate
adj. describing someone or something that does not win.
adj. characterised by failure or defeat; typically modifying a noun to indicate an unsuccessful outcome.
“He was on the losing side of the argument and had to apologise.”
“The candidate's losing campaign was later analysed by political scientists to understand why his message failed to resonate with voters.”
Usage
Frequently appears in the fixed phrase 'the losing side'.
Antonyms
04the act of loss
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the process of something being lost or taken away.
n. the gerundial form used to denote the action or process of experiencing a loss.
“The losing of his keys caused him a lot of stress that morning.”
“The systematic losing of traditional knowledge is a major concern for anthropologists working with indigenous communities.”
Usage
Less common than the noun 'loss'; usually found in formal or literary contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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