1be deprived of or cease to have or retain (something):I’ve lost my appetiteLinda was very upset about losing her jobthe company may find itself losing customers to cheaper rivals
[with two objects] cause (someone) to fail to gain or retain (something):you lost me my appointment at London University
be deprived of (a relative or friend) through their death:she lost her husband in the fire
(of a pregnant woman) miscarry (a baby) or suffer the death of (a baby) during childbirth:am I going to lose the baby?
(be lost) be destroyed or killed, especially as a result of an accident or military action:a fishing disaster in which 129 men were lost
decrease in (body weight); undergo a reduction of (a specified amount of weight):she couldn’t eat and began to lose weight
(of a watch or clock) become slow by (a specified amount of time):this clock will neither gain nor lose a second
(lose it) informal become unable to control one’s temper or emotions:I completely lost it—I was screaming at them
2become unable to find (something or someone):I’ve lost the car keys
cease or become unable to follow (the right route):the clouds came down and we lost the path
evade or shake off (a pursuer):he came after me waving his revolver, but I easily lost him
North American informal get rid of (an undesirable person or thing):lose that creep!
informal cause (someone) to be unable to follow an argument or explanation:sorry, Tim, you’ve lost me there
(lose oneself in/be lost in) be or become deeply absorbed in (something):he had been lost in thought
3fail to win (a game or contest):England lost the first Test match [no object]:they lost by one vote (as adjective losing)the losing side
[with two objects] cause (someone) to fail to win (a game or contest):that shot lost him the championship
4earn less (money) than one is spending or has spent:the paper is losing £1.5 million a month [no object]:he lost heavily on box office flops
5waste or fail to take advantage of (time or an opportunity):he has lost his chance of becoming world No. 1the government lost no time in holding fresh elections
have nothing to lose
be in a situation that is so bad that even if an action is unsuccessful it cannot make it any worse:she decided she had nothing to lose by taking the initiative
lose heart
become discouraged:seeing all the things that had to be done, she lost heart