Lose vs Loss: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The word 'lose' is a verb meaning 'to lose something,' while 'loss' is a noun meaning 'a loss.
Memory Tip: lose = verb, loss = noun
lose ends with /z/ sound, loss ends with /s/ sound
lose /luːz/
verbTo lose means not to have something anymore.
Example:
I always lose my keys, so I need to find a better place to keep them.
Common patterns:
lose a game
lose your keys
loss
nounLoss is when you no longer have something that you used to have, like money or a loved one.
Example:
The loss of my phone made me very upset yesterday.
Common patterns:
financial loss
loss of a loved one
loss of interest
Common Mistakes
I hope we don't loss the game tonight.
I hope we don't lose the game tonight.
'Lose' is the correct verb to use when referring to the act of not winning something.
The lose of my wallet was very frustrating.
The loss of my wallet was very frustrating.
'Loss' is the noun that describes the state or condition of having lost something.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I always ____ my keys, so I need to find a better place to keep them.
2. The ____ of my phone made me very upset yesterday.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse lose / loss again
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