Lose vs. Loose

When people mix up "lose" and "loose," it's usually just because they're spelled so similarly. They know their definitions are completely different.

According to Merriam-Webster, "lose" is a verb that means "to be unable to find (something or someone), to fail to win (a game, contest, etc.), or to fail to keep or hold (something wanted or valued)." It's like losing your keys or losing a football match.

"Loose" is an adjective that means "not tightly fastened, attached, or held," like loose clothing or a loose tooth.

A trick for remembering the difference is to think of the term "loosey-goosey" -- both of those words are spelled with two o's.