Difference Between Loose and Lose

The words ‘loose’ and ‘lose’, are the pair of words which are usually misconstrued, due to a little bit of similarity in their pronunciation, and spelling as well. However, they are entirely different in the sense that we use the word ‘loose‘, to talk about something which is not fit or free. On the other hand, lose is used when we misplace something or it can be used as a synonym for defeat. You can understand the two with the help of these examples:

• As the worker loosed grip of the rope, the supervisor lost his patience and shouted at him.
• You will look more attractive if you wear loose clothes or you lose weight.

In the first example, we have used the word ‘loose’ to mean ‘set free’, while lost (past form of ‘lose’) indicates ‘ceasing the ability to keep one’s composure intact’. In the next sentence, loose represent ‘free or not tight’, whereas lose implies ‘having less of weight’.

Content: Loose Vs Lose

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Examples
5. How to remember the difference

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Loose	Lose
Meaning	Loose refers to something which is untied, lenient, free or slack.	Lose is used when we cease to retain a person or object or when we fail to win.
Pronunciation	luːs	luːz
Part of speech	Verb	Verb and Adjective
Example	The shirt is too loose to wear.	I lose my favorite shirt.
	Can I have some loose sugar?	Rahul lost his self-control.

Definition of Loose

By the word ‘loose’ we mean not tightly held, lax or baggy, however, the term has several meanings in English, which is based on the way it is used in a sentence. So, let’s have a look at the points given below:

As an adjective:

1. It means not firmly attached, fastened or tied in or with something:
   • Some loose sheets are lying on the table.
   • I think the wire is loose, that’s why the iron is not heating properly.
2. It may also mean not tight:
   • We should wear loose clothes during summer.
3. It means inexact or approximate:
   • The sales executive provided a loose figure of sales in this quarter.
4. It also refers to disorganized, lenient or not strictly under control:
   • They have very loose rules for membership.

As a verb:

1. To mean relax or set free:
   • Loose your hands.
   • The birds are loosed, after a long time.

Definition of Lose

The word ‘lose’ has basically two meanings, firstly it is used to cease to have something, i.e. misplace something, and secondly, it is used to mean defeat or fail. It is used as a verb only, in sentences. Come let’s understand its usage:

1. To cease the possession of an object or refrain from having it, as you mislay it:
   • She lost her phone at the procession.
2. It can be used when you stop feeling or believing something:
   • Kate loses her trust, on Jennie.
   • Peter lost his temper, after hearing that he is failed in final exams.
3. When something is removed or taken way:
   • She lost her parents in a train accident.
   • Many employees lose their jobs due to lay off every year.
4. When something is decreasing:
   • I am losing my eye sight day by day.
   • If you go to the gym daily, you may lose fat.
5. It is used for defeat or failure:
   • After losing the bike on a bet, Varun got angry.
   • Team A lost to Team C

Examples

Loose

• Loose packs of coffee are not available at the store.
• I loosed the grip and fell to the ground.
• Riya ordered the dress online, but it is very loose.

Lose

• Aastha lost her interest in reality shows.
• Alex always loses his spectacles and then finds it all around the house.
• Losing hair is more painful than anything else.

How to remember the difference

To memorize the difference between loose and lose, one should notice the sound, which the two creates, the word loose rhymes with the word ‘goose’, which ends with an ‘s’ sound, whereas the word lose rhymes with the word ‘booze’, which has a ‘z’ sound.