Lose vs Loose
Lose (one O, /luːz/) is the verb — lose a game, lose weight. Loose (two O's, /luːs/) is the adjective — loose clothes, a loose tooth.
The one-line answer
Lose (one O, /luːz/) is the verb — lose a game, lose weight. Loose (two O's, /luːs/) is the adjective — loose clothes, a loose tooth.
lose
verbto no longer have something; to be defeated (lose – lost – lost)
- I don't want to lose my keys again.
- Our team lost the final by one point.
- She's trying to lose weight before summer.
loose
adjectivenot tight; not firmly fixed
- These jeans are too loose on me.
- My tooth is loose — it might fall out.
- A loose screw caused the rattling noise.
Memory trick
Loose has an extra O — think of the extra space in loose clothing. If something is too loose, you might lose it.
Lose vs Loose: Test yourself
Question 1 of 2If the knot is too ___, it might come undone.