Word Differences
Lose vs. Loose: One Letter, Two Meanings
Lose is a verb, loose is usually an adjective. Here’s how to tell them apart instantly and stop the typo for good.
By Vocabaura Editorial · Published 13 August 2026 · 3 min read
Quick answer
Lose (one o, rhymes with “news”) is a verb meaning to misplace or be defeated. Loose (two o’s, rhymes with “goose”) is an adjective meaning not tight.
Lose and loose differ by a single letter, and unlike most confused pairs they don’t even sound the same. The mix-up is almost entirely a spelling habit rather than a misunderstanding, which makes it easy to break once you notice it.
Quick Answer
Lose is a verb: to no longer have something, or to fail to win. Loose is an adjective describing something that isn’t firmly fixed, and occasionally a verb meaning to release.
Lose
Don’t lose your keys again.
Lose (defeat)
If we lose this match, the season is over.
Loose
The handle feels loose.
Loose (release)
They loosed the dogs into the field.
Quick check
Which word completes this sentence?
“Don’t ______ your keys again.”
Free practice, no account or AI credits needed. Keep reading below.
| Lose | Loose | |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Verb | Adjective (rarely a verb) |
| Sound | Rhymes with news (z sound) | Rhymes with goose (s sound) |
| Means | Misplace, fail to win | Not tight, not contained |
| Opposite | Find, win | Tight, secure |
Common Mistakes
- “Don’t loose hope” should be “Don’t lose hope.”
- “A lose screw” should be “a loose screw.”
- Confusing “loose” with “lost”: the past tense of lose is lost.
- “Loosing weight” instead of “losing weight.”