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lose out

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

You don't get something good because someone else got it first, or because of bad luck.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To fail to gain an advantage or something desirable because someone else wins or circumstances are against you.

"We lost out to a bigger company when bidding for the government contract."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To fail to benefit from something or miss an opportunity.

"If you don't apply now, you'll lose out on the early-bird discount."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Often followed by 'to' (lose out to someone) or 'on' (lose out on something). Very common in competitive, business, and everyday contexts. Works in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

competition contract opportunity rival promotion deal

Forms

Base
lose out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
loses out
he/she/it
Past simple
lost out
yesterday
Past participle
lost out
have + pp
-ing form
losing out
continuous

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Synonyms

miss out be disadvantaged come off worse fall short be beaten be pipped

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