Lose out
verb
To not do as well as someone else or miss a chance, especially in a competition, election or business activities.
He lost out to a younger competitor in the race for promotion.
Often appears as...
- lose out on
- lose out to
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To experience a loss or disadvantage because of a certain action, event or decision.
If you don't take this opportunity now, you may lose out.
Often appears as...
- lose out because of
- lose out due to
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To not do as well as someone else or miss a chance, especially in a competition, election or business activities.
He lost out to a younger competitor in the race for promotion.
Often appears as...
- lose out on
- lose out to
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To experience a loss or disadvantage because of a certain action, event or decision.
If you don't take this opportunity now, you may lose out.
Often appears as...
- lose out because of
- lose out due to
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Competition Loss
Use 'lose out' when someone doesn't win, especially in situations where there's direct competition.
She lost out in the singing contest.
Pro Tip 2/3Missed Opportunity
'Lose out' often implies missing a chance that might not come again.
If we don't act fast, we'll lose out on the deal.
Pro Tip 3/3Personal Regret
The phrase suggests personal disappointment from not having achieved or obtained something.
He felt he lost out on a childhood by working early.
Pro Tip 1/3Competition Loss
Use 'lose out' when someone doesn't win, especially in situations where there's direct competition.
She lost out in the singing contest.
Pro Tip 2/3Missed Opportunity
'Lose out' often implies missing a chance that might not come again.
If we don't act fast, we'll lose out on the deal.
Pro Tip 3/3Personal Regret
The phrase suggests personal disappointment from not having achieved or obtained something.
He felt he lost out on a childhood by working early.
Pro Tip 1/3Competition Loss
Use 'lose out' when someone doesn't win, especially in situations where there's direct competition.
She lost out in the singing contest.
Pro Tip 2/3Missed Opportunity
'Lose out' often implies missing a chance that might not come again.
If we don't act fast, we'll lose out on the deal.
Pro Tip 3/3Personal Regret
The phrase suggests personal disappointment from not having achieved or obtained something.
He felt he lost out on a childhood by working early.
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