Lose or Loose?

Many people write loose when they actually mean lose, but these words have totally different meanings, and they actually sound different too.

To lose is a verb

To lose is a verb that means to be unable to find something (I’ve lost my phone), to lack something or stop having it (I’ve lost all motivation), to fail to win or take advantage of something (We lost the game and lost our chance at the finals), or to spend more money than you’re making on something (My investments are losing 10% a day).

Loose is an adjective

In contrast, loose is an adjective that refers to something or someone being not firmly in place or not fitting tightly (The dog’s leash came loose from the post; The belt was now loose around his waist), not compact or solid (The soil in the area was fresh and loose) or not particularly precise or literal (It was a loose interpretation of The Twelfth Night).

Loose and to lose are pronounced differently

Loose is pronounced with a sharper s sound, whereas lose is pronounced with more of a z sound.

How to remember the difference

How can you remember the difference? There are a few ways.