Lose vs Loose: Verb vs Adjective

One Extra O Makes All the Difference

Quick Answer

Lose = verb (to misplace or fail to win). Loose = adjective (not tight or restrained).

Memory trick: Loose has two O's—it's "looser" with extra room. Lose lost an O!

When to Use "Lose" (Verb)

Lose is a verb meaning to misplace, fail to keep, or be defeated.

  • Don't lose your keys. → misplace ✓
  • We might lose the game. → be defeated ✓
  • I don't want to lose you. → fail to keep ✓
  • She lost her phone. → misplaced (past) ✓
  • You'll lose weight. → fail to keep ✓

When to Use "Loose" (Adjective)

Loose is an adjective meaning not tight, free, or unrestrained.

  • These pants are too loose. → not tight ✓
  • The dog got loose. → free ✓
  • Tie a loose knot. → not tight ✓
  • A loose interpretation. → not strict ✓
  • The screw is loose. → not tight ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Definition Trick to Remember Example
Lose Verb: misplace/be defeated Lose lost an O "Don't lose it."
Loose Adjective: not tight Loose = extra room "Loose pants."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"I don't want to loose my keys."

✓ Correct:

"I don't want to lose my keys."

Why? "Misplace" is an action (verb)—use "lose."
❌ Incorrect:

"My jeans are too lose."

✓ Correct:

"My jeans are too loose."

Why? "Not tight" is a description (adjective)—use "loose."
❌ Incorrect:

"We can't loose this game."

✓ Correct:

"We can't lose this game."

Why? "Be defeated" is an action—use "lose."
❌ Incorrect:

"The screw is lose."

✓ Correct:

"The screw is loose."

Why? "Not tight" describes the screw—use "loose."

Quick Tips

💡 Double O = Looser

Loose has two O's—more room, not tight.

✅ Verb Test

Is it an action (can lose/lost/losing)? Use "lose." Is it describing? Use "loose."

Frequently Asked Questions

How are they pronounced?

Lose = /luːz/ (rhymes with "blues"). Loose = /luːs/ (rhymes with "goose"). The S sound differs.

Can "loose" be a verb?

Rarely. "Loose" as a verb means "to set free" (formal/archaic): "Loose the dogs." In modern English, use "release" or "let loose" instead.

What about "loosen"?

"Loosen" is the verb form of loose: "Loosen your tie." It means to make something less tight.

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