lose out

verb

lost out; losing out; loses out

intransitive verb

: to fail to win in competition : fail to receive an expected reward or gain

Examples of lose out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
You’ll recall Edinburgh lost out to Manchester after the fest’s organizer, The TV Foundation, held a bidding process for next year’s event. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 That delay has resulted in lost sales, with American firms often losing out to Chinese competitors selling similar products or services. — Emily Feng, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 The Voice of Hind Rajab won the Silver Lion Grand Jury award, the runner-up prize, losing out to best film Golden Lion winner Father Mother Sister Brother from Jim Jarmusch. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026 In that scenario, Leonard would become a free agent, and the Raptors might lose out on Leonard despite having just traded for him. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lose out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1858, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lose out was circa 1858

Rhymes for lose out

See All Rhymes for lose out

Browse Nearby Words

lose oneself
lose out
lose patience
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lose out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lose%20out. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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