To regain something or someone that was previously lost.
To get something back that you lost, usually by trying hard.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To regain someone's love, trust, or loyalty after losing it.
"After the betrayal, it took him years to win back her trust."
I'm going to win back the hearts and minds of the American people.
— George W. Bush, press conference, 2004 (widely reported)
To recapture a title, position, seat, or competitive prize that was previously held.
"The team worked all season to win back the championship they lost the previous year."
To recover customers, market share, or support for a business or organisation.
"The airline launched a major campaign to win back passengers after the safety scandal."
To win something so that it comes back to you — fairly transparent.
To get something back that you lost, usually by trying hard.
Common in both romantic contexts (winning back a partner) and competitive contexts (winning back a title, market share, or territory). The object almost always follows 'win back' or is placed between 'win' and 'back'.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "win back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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