losing

adjective

los·​ing ˈlü-ziŋ How to pronounce losing (audio)
1
: resulting in or likely to result in defeat
a losing battle
a losing poker hand
2
: marked by many losses or more losses than wins
a losing streak
a losing record

Examples of losing 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.
He was named an All-Star and an All-NBA Third Team selection while leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 2023, ending the longest payoff drought in NBA history after 16 consecutive losing seasons. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 Oct. 2025 His time in Gainesville began with the program’s first consecutive losing seasons since 1979. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Given the Rockies’ track record — seven consecutive losing seasons and just five playoff appearances in 33 years — and the challenges and vagaries of playing baseball at a mile above sea level, the job of rebuilding the franchise might seem undesirable for many. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025 Firing Vrabel, even after consecutive losing seasons, was a mistake. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for losing

Word History

First Known Use

1519, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of losing was in 1519

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Losing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/losing. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

losing

adjective
1
: resulting in or likely to result in defeat
a losing battle
2
: marked by many losses or more losses than wins
a losing record

More from Merriam-Webster on losing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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