lose

US /luz/

UK /lu:z/

A1

verb

  • To be unable to keep in check or control something
  • To decrease in value or quantity (e.g. weight)
  • To stop having certain qualities or abilities
  • To stop having or being entitled to
  • To fail to win something that is being contested
  • To be unable to find something you once had
  • To be dependent on someone (used with 'not')

Examples

We cannot afford to lose any more senior members of staff.

This is a game that Lazio cannot afford to lose.