Lose vs Loose: What Is the Difference?
Lose (one o, rhymes with shoes) is a verb: to misplace something or fail to win. Loose (two os, rhymes with goose) is usually an adjective meaning not tight or not fixed.
Updated 21 October 2026 · EssayWriting.com editorial team
- Lose (one o) is a verb: to misplace or fail to win.
- Loose (two o) means not tight.
- Lose rhymes with shoes; loose rhymes with goose.
Lose vs loose: the difference at a glance
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| lose | verb | misplace; fail to win; have less | Do not lose your notes. We might lose marks. |
| loose | adjective (also verb) | not tight; free | A loose thread. The dog got loose. |
| loss | noun | the act of losing | A loss of data. |
How to use lose
Forms: lose, loses, lost, losing.
- You will lose marks for missing citations.
- Back up your files so you do not lose work.
- Readers lose interest in long introductions.
How to use loose
Loose describes something not tight or not attached. As a verb, loosen is more common.
- A loose paraphrase can still be plagiarism.
- The argument has a few loose ends.
- Loose-leaf paper.
How to remember the difference
Lose has lost an o. Loose is as loose as a goose, with room for two os.
Tricky cases and exceptions
Idioms: at a loose end (nothing to do), let loose, on the loose, lose track, lose face. Losing vs loosing: "losing" is from lose; "loosing" (releasing) is rare and archaic.
Lose vs loose in academic writing
In essays, lose appears when discussing costs and consequences, and loose in phrases like "loose connection", "loosely based on" and "loose paraphrase". Our paraphrasing guide explains why a loose paraphrase still needs a citation.
Practice quiz
Choose the correct option, then open each answer to check your reasoning.
1. Do not ___ your bibliography file. (lose / loose)
lose.
2. The cable is ___. (lose / loose)
loose.
3. The team is ___ momentum. (losing / loosing)
losing.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is it "lose weight" or "loose weight"?
Lose weight.
How do you pronounce lose and loose?
Lose rhymes with shoes (z sound); loose rhymes with goose (s sound).
Is "loose" ever a verb?
Yes, rarely (to release), but loosen is far more common.
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