verb
/ˈluːz/ loses; lost /ˈlɑːst/; losing
[+ obj] :to be unable to find (something or someone)
to fail to win (a game, contest, etc.) [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to fail to keep or hold (something wanted or valued)
b
If you have nothing (else/left) to lose, you cannot make a situation worse by taking a risk. If you have a lot to lose or have too much to lose, you could make your situation much worse by taking a risk or doing something.
to fail to earn or keep (money) [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to have (something) taken from you or destroyed
[+ obj] :to gradually have less of (something) as time passes
[+ obj] :to cause (someone) to fail to win or keep (something) :to cause the loss of (something) for (someone)
to decrease in (something) [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to decrease in value by (a specified amount)
[no obj] :to decrease in value when compared to something else
[+ obj] to experience or suffer the death of (a relative, friend, etc.)
to no longer have or be with (someone who leaves)
[+ obj] :to fail to keep control of (something)
[+ obj] to fail to use (something, such as time) :waste
b of a watch or clock :to show a time that is earlier than the correct time :to run slow by (an amount of time) [+ obj]
[+ obj] :to explain something in a way that is not clear to (someone) :to confuse (someone)
[+ obj] :to succeed in getting away from (someone who is following or chasing you)
[+ obj] informal :to get rid of (something unwanted)
lose contact
lose count
lose face
lose ground
lose it
informal
to become insane
to start behaving in an uncontrolled way because you are angry or upset
lose out
[phrasal verb]
to fail to keep or get something valued or desired
lose sleep over
lose the plot
lose touch
lose your bearings
lose your grip
lose your head
lose your heart
lose your life
lose your lunch
lose your marbles
lose yourself
to give all of your attention or thought to something
lose your shirt
lose your touch
lose your way