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."
inseparable
lose out
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To be at a disadvantage or fail to gain something because of competition or bad luck.
In plain English
You don't get something good because someone else got it first, or because of bad luck.
What does "lose out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "lose out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
competition contract opportunity rival promotion deal
How to conjugate "lose out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "lose out" in the wild
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