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.
But mostly, restaurants are losing out. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025 Put another way, over the course of the decade researchers analyzed, investors lost out on about 15% of their returns. Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025 The Blue Jays tried to add some pitching last offseason as well and reportedly entered the Rōki Sasaki sweepstakes, but lost out on him as well to Los Angeles. Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 According to an upcoming memoir written by the film's late co-producer, Jon Landau, the Texas native lost out on the part that went to DiCaprio largely because of his Southern drawl. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Lose out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lose%20out. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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