Lose Meaning
Lose Definition & Usage
To fail to retain something, such as an object, possession, or resource.
Examples
- "She lost her keys on the way to work."
- "The company lost a major client last year."
- "I can't believe I lost my wallet at the mall."
- "We lost the match by one point."
- "He lost all his savings in the stock market crash."
To be deprived of something important or essential, such as a relationship, a position, or a person.
Examples
- "He lost his job after the company downsized."
- "She lost her best friend when they moved to another city."
- "We lost our chance to win when the player got injured."
- "After the divorce, he felt like he had lost everything."
- "The town lost its most famous landmark to a fire."
To be defeated in a contest, competition, or struggle.
Examples
- "Our team lost the football game by three touchdowns."
- "She lost the race by a split second."
- "The company lost in court after the lawsuit."
- "They lost the election despite a strong campaign."
- "We lost our bet when the horse came in second."
To forget or fail to keep track of something mentally or emotionally.
Examples
- "I lost my train of thought during the presentation."
- "He lost his composure after hearing the bad news."
- "She tends to lose focus when there's too much noise around."
- "In the middle of the conversation, I lost track of what I was saying."
- "It's easy to lose your way when you're constantly distracted."
Cultural Context
The word 'lose' has been in use since Old English, where it originally meant to 'destroy' or 'waste.' Over time, its meaning shifted toward the modern sense of failing to keep or retain something. In many cultures, 'losing' is often associated with negative emotions, such as disappointment or grief. It can refer to material losses (e.g., possessions), emotional losses (e.g., relationships), or abstract losses (e.g., opportunities or chances).
The Long Road Home
Story
The Long Road Home
Jessica had always been the competitive type. Growing up, her life revolved around winning — whether it was in school, sports, or even games with friends. But as she sat in the empty café, staring at the cold cup of coffee in front of her, she realized how many things she had lost along the way. Earlier that morning, she had received the news: she had lost her job. It had come as a shock, but after the initial sting, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The job had drained her. It was a toxic environment, and despite her best efforts, she had lost her passion for it. Her thoughts drifted to other losses in her life. She had lost touch with several of her childhood friends over the years, their relationships fading as they moved on to different paths. She had even lost herself in the pursuit of success, sacrificing her mental health in the process. As Jessica mulled over her losses, her phone buzzed. It was a message from her brother: 'Hey, can we talk? I know we've been distant.' A small smile tugged at her lips. Maybe some losses could be found again. She hit 'reply' and typed: 'I'd like that.' Later that afternoon, Jessica sat across from her brother in a small park, their conversation flowing more easily than she had expected. They talked about the past, their childhood memories, and the mistakes they'd made. Jessica had lost so many things — but in that moment, she felt a sense of hope. She hadn’t lost everything. There were still relationships, opportunities, and moments to be gained. As the sun began to set, Jessica felt something she hadn't in a long time: peace. She wasn't quite sure where the road ahead would lead, but for the first time in a while, she wasn't afraid of what she might lose along the way.
