Lose vs Loose

Quick Tip: Remember: Lose is a verb (to misplace or fail). Loose is an adjective (not tight).

Lose

verb

to be deprived of or cease to have or retain something

Examples:
  • I don't want to lose my keys.
  • The team will lose the game if they don't improve.
  • She is trying to lose weight.
verb

to fail to win a game or contest

Examples:
  • We lost the match by two points.
  • The candidate lost the election.

Loose

adjective

not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached

Examples:
  • The button is loose on my shirt.
  • She wore her hair loose around her shoulders.
  • The dog got loose from its leash.
adjective

not strict or exact

Examples:
  • The rules are quite loose.
  • He has a loose interpretation of the law.
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